India's Madras Institute of Technology (IIT Madras) and Australia's Deakin University have joined forces to launch the Academy of Indian Studies, which will deliver international research, joint research and excellence in scholarship.

The "IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy," in a statement, said it would run a four-year Ph.D. program to provide international Ph.D. training opportunities to early-career researchers and distribute 30 fellowships to experts from IIT Madras and Deakin University in 2024. There will also be opportunities to participate in innovative ecosystems, research partnerships, and collaborations with key industry partners in India and Australia.

The IIT Madras-Deakin University partnership was announced at the Tamil Nadu International Consumer Forum in Chennai. "Deakin and IIT Madras have a long-standing relationship, and we are grateful to them for this important next step, which will lead to research on important global issues, including clean energy solutions," said Sarah Kirlew, Consul General of Australia in Chennai.

He also added that research experts explore solutions through research in areas such as clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change and medical technology.

“Through this academy, IIT Madras will partner with Deakin to build upon its technical and research expertise and environmental stewardship and social responsibility action plan to emerge as a leader for sustainability teaching and research in the global south,” said V. Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras.