IITB-Monash Research Academy

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]

History

In 2006, then Vice-Chancellor of Monash Richard Larkins went on a tour of India with senior Monash staff and an executive from BHP Billiton. The tour was led by Monash Dean of Engineering Tam Sridhar, an Indian-Australian professor. The team met with research institutions, public officials and industry research bodies around the country.[4]

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 and Infosys to joint research and commercialisation.

The Academy was officially opened on 26 November 2008.[5] 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.[6] By 2012, that number had risen to 80.[7] It is expected that the Academy will eventually house around 250-300 PhD students at any one time.[8]

Research

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.[9] 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.[10]

Location

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.[6]

Governance

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 Company Infosys) and prominent Australian biologist Professor Gustav Nossal.[1] The current CEO is Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "IITB-Monash Research Academy". Iitbmonash.org. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Monash-India sign landmark agreement - (Monash Memo, 8 March 2006)". Monash.edu.au. 2006-03-08. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  3. ↑ "India to open door to Australian universities - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.net.au. 2009-09-01. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  4. ↑ Graeme Davison & Kate Murphy, University Unlimited: The Monash Story, Allen & Unwin, p 318
  5. ↑ http://www.iitbmonash.org/Resources/News/DOC230109.pdf
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "In brief, Monash Magazine, Issue 24 October 2009". Monash.edu.au. 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  7. ↑ http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/scientific-solutions-for-grand-challenges
  8. ↑ http://www.iitbmonash.org/about-us/
  9. ↑ "Mathrubhumi Education". Education.mathrubhumi.com. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  10. ↑ http://www.iitbmonash.org/Resources/News/4-10-09_TFE.pdf

External links