New facilities to enhance joint Australian and Indian research venture

The Minister for Education and Training Minister, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP officially opened new facilities at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)-Monash Research Academy today in the Indian city of Mumbai.

Mr Pyne said the new building would enhance strategic research collaboration between the Institute and Australia’s Monash University.

“The Australian Government greatly values our strong relationship with India, particularly in education and research,” Mr Pyne said.

“Research collaboration is essential as no single government or organisation can provide all the solutions to global challenges such as food security, sustainable agricultural practices, energy and water security or health.

“The IITB-Monash Research Academy is undertaking collaborative research work that will benefit both our countries.

“The Australian Government, through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, was one of the early contributors to this joint venture, providing $1.5 million in seed funding to establish the IITB-Monash Research Academy.

“The collaboration between the IITB and Monash University will see students receive a joint PhD from both institutions, with the added benefit of exposing a large cohort of young researchers to cutting-edge international research.

“I am delighted to officially open this new building, which represents an exciting new chapter in Australia’s deepening relationship with Indian on education and research through the IITB-Monash Research Academy,” Mr Pyne said.