IITB-Monash Research Academy
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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 marked the first time that an Australian university has set up an extensive physical presence in India.[2][3]
In 2006, vice-chancellor of Monash Richard Larkins went on a tour of India with senior Monash staff and an executive from BHP. 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 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 were Infosys, BHP, Shell, the CSIRO and the Australian Stem Cell Centre.[10][11]
