A landmark framework will drive the next phase of Australia-India research collaboration, shaping multi-sector partnerships that tackle shared challenges and deliver real-world impact.
The Australia-India Research Collaboration (AIRC) Framework was launched at the Australia-India Education and Skills Council meeting, in New Delhi, on Monday.
The framework provides a practical guide for Australian and Indian researchers, higher education institutions, industry and government stakeholders to build deeper and more impactful research relationships.
The year-long piece of work was funded by the Department of Education and was guided by an expert Steering Committee, alongside more than 260 participants and 30 speakers across four workshops.
These workshops focused on energy transitions and climate change resilience, sustaining healthy communities, advanced manufacturing technologies and cybersecurity and digital governance.
The framework provides a five-year forward-looking roadmap of key activities and priority areas to ensure the Australia-India research relationship continues to grow in scale and impact. Key recommendations include:
- Increasing opportunities for early-career researchers to connect with counterparts and work on joint projects of bilateral significance.
- Involving industry in research projects for greater economic and social impact.
- Making researcher mobility between both countries easier through new projects and exchange programs.
- Increasing joint funding and grants across both countries, with a focus on collaboration between industry, academic institutions, government and civil society.
Australia's Education Minister, Mr Jason Clare, said Australia-India research collaboration is invaluable to the growing education relationship between our two nations.
"Australia and India's research partnership is helping us take on some of the big challenges our region faces," Mr Clare said.
"A key pillar of Australia's Education Strategy for India is stronger research collaboration. This Framework will make it easier for world-class researchers in both countries to work together and make an impact."
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said the project paves the way forward for a stronger foundation in research collaboration between the two nations.
"Research ties between Australia and India are creating impactful outcomes for both our nations and our planet – from climate change to cyber security, research collaboration has helped in efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues facing our region," Ms Singh said.
"This framework sets out a targeted roadmap and suite of resources for researchers, higher education institutions and industry partners - laying the groundwork for a more connected, purposeful and enduring Australia India research relationship."
Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, said the launch of the framework builds on the University of Melbourne's strategic engagement in India and underscores the value of collaboration.
"As one of Australia's leading research universities, the University of Melbourne is committed to advancing research partnerships with academic institutions and industry that deliver real benefits for both countries," Professor Ashokkumar said.
"Through our dedicated centres in Australia and India, we are connecting outstanding researchers, enabling knowledge exchange, and supporting solutions to some of the world's most urgent shared challenges.
"The framework is a significant step forward in strengthening these ties and creating opportunities for impactful research across borders."
The Australia India Institute (AII), is the University of Melbourne's centre dedicated to promoting support for and understanding of the Australia-India relationship.
Read the Framework here: https://aii.unimelb.edu.au/australia-india-research-collaboration-framework-2/
