October 24, 2024

IRU leading the way in research collaboration with India for a sustainable future

Collaboration between Innovative Research Universities (IRU) members and India has increased five-fold over the last decade, which will be the focus of a meeting between IRU Vice-Chancellors and the Australian and Indian Education Ministers today.

The IRU was invited to join discussions with Minister Jason Clare and Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in Sydney as part of the bilateral Australia-India Education and Skills Council Meeting.

IRU Chair, and Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University, Professor Simon Biggs said high-quality collaboration between IRU member universities and Indian partners is growing fast in key areas such as health and medicine, biology and agriculture, and computer science and digital technologies.

“Australia’s research collaboration with India is growing faster than collaboration with any other major partner country and the IRU is proud to be leading the way,” he said.

“IRU member universities are also active in developing joint PhD programs with Indian universities to develop the next generation of research and innovation leaders. These collaborations boost the quality and impact of research for both countries, and I look forward to speaking with Minister Clare and Minister Pradhan about future opportunities.”

IRU members have particular strengths in research areas relevant to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), which has been highlighted in an IRU factsheet released today.

“By mapping our collaboration with India against the SDGs we can show how our joint research is delivering impact in areas of global priority and identify opportunities for closer collaboration in the future,” said IRU Executive Director Paul Harris.

“We acknowledge the significant reforms made by the Indian Government that are enabling new forms of international education and research cooperation. IRU member universities share with both Minister Clare and Minister Pradhan a commitment to expanding access and equity for students and the impact of our world-leading research.”