The IITB-Monash Research Academy is a graduate research school located in Mumbai, India. It opened in 2008 as a joint venture between the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Monash University. Students of the Academy study for a dual PhD from both institutions, spending time in both Australia and India, with supervisors from both IITB and Monash.[1] The establishment of the Academy marks the first time that an Australian university has set up an extensive physical presence in India.[2][3]
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In 2006, after extensive negotiations, Monash University and IITB signed an agreement to undertake joint research and establish a graduate research school together. The agreement was signed on 7 March 2006 in the presence of then Australian Prime Minister John Howard.[2] The Academy attracted early industry support, with a commitment from BHP Billiton to joint research and commercialisation.
The Academy was officially opened on 26 November 2008.[4] 36 research projects began immediately, with several hundred further projects in the planning phase.
By June 2009, 41 PhD students were enrolled at the Academy, with a further 22 joining in December 2009.[5]
The Academy's research encompasses a range of issues of concern to industry and government in Australia and India.[1] This includes clean energy, water, biotechnology, infrastructure engineering, stem cells, advanced computational engineering and nanotechnology.[6] The Academy has five Foundation Partners, each of whom will contribute around $1–2 million in research sponsorship in the early years of the Academy. The Foundation Partners are Infosys, BHP Billiton, Shell, the CSIRO and the Australian Stem Cell Centre.[7]
The Academy is located at IITB's Campus in Powai, Mumbai. A new four-level, purpose-built premises is being constructed, which will be ready by 2011.[5]
The IITB-Monash Research Academy is governed by a Board of Directors, Advisory Council (a consultative body) and Chief Executive Officer. The Board consists primarily of senior management figures from Monash and IITB. The Advisory Council is made up of leaders from scientific research and industry, including Narayana Murthy (founder of Indian software giant Infosys) and prominent Australian biologist Professor Gustav Nossal.[1] The current CEO is Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy.