Launch of two research programs to strengthen Australia-India ties

Two landmark initiatives that will boost bilateral research collaboration, and showcase the research excellence of India and Australia.

Australia India Institute’s CEO the Hon Lisa Singh attended the formal launch of the Australian Researcher Cooperation Hub-India (ARCH-India) and the Australia India Research Students Fellowship (AIRS Fellowship) program in Sydney by Australian Education Minister The Hon Jason Clare and Indian Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship The Hon Dharmendra Pradhan.

Part of the India Economic Strategy to 2035 Action Plan, these initiatives will help to position Australia as a partner of choice for India’s research needs and will be delivered by the Australia India Institute and supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Education.

“Australia and India have a long history of partnership and cooperation. Yet there remains untapped potential to deepen our research links,” Ms Singh said.

“Both countries have advanced research and development capabilities. Here is an opportunity to reveal and connect the unique expertise of both nations and work together to address the complex challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and the world.”

ARCH-India is a digital platform designed to advance research linkages between Australia and India. It is a rich resource for researchers, providing information on 15 key areas of bilateral importance, funding opportunities, case studies of successful research collaboration and more.

“Since its early access launch last year, ARCH-India has attracted hundreds of researchers from both nations looking to explore opportunities for collaboration and mobility,” Ms Singh said.

“Importantly, the online community also connects early career researchers and scholars looking to build their careers with academic and industry mentors through our Mentorship Program.”

The new AIRS Fellowship program, to be delivered in 2023, will support research students and early career researchers from India and Australia to undertake short-term research exchanges. Up to seventy fellowships will be offered with up to 35 grants to be offered to cohorts from each country.

The fellowships offer an opportunity for research students and early career researchers to broaden their academic experience by building networks and exchanging knowledge in the other country. Applications are expected to open in October via the ARCH-India website.

“These fellowships will help foster the next generation of research leaders in Australia and India,” Ms Singh said.

“Education is the biggest trading opportunity for the Australia-India relationship. Deepening our research and innovation ties will boost bilateral relations and support India to meet growing demand in the sector.”

The announcement comes ahead of the Australia India Leadership Dialogue – the premier forum for informal diplomacy between the two countries, to be held on 6^th September in New Delhi. Education leaders from five Australian universities and key Indian universities will join a diverse group of stakeholders to address challenges in the bilateral relationship and explore areas for cooperation.