Chennai: The University of Sydney and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and (IIT Madras) have entered a research partnership to help address the energy challenges facing nations across the world. Each institution will invest AU$50,000 a year in joint funding for up to four research projects.

The partnership will see experts from the two institutions working together to develop research and advance technology in fields related to energy. Researchers across disciplines including science and engineering will collaborate on areas such as energy storage and conversion, solar desalination and cold storage, photo and electrochemical energy, gas turbines, micro-grids, and renewable energy systems.

An MoU was signed on September 9, 2022 at the IIT Madras campus by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and the University of Sydney’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Emma Johnson, in the presence of Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras.

Prof. Mark Scott is in India to further strengthen the University of Sydney’s engagement with India and to participate in the Australia Indian Leadership Dialogue. He said that the partnership with IITM reflected the University’s commitment to India and the importance of international collaboration in solving global challenges.

Prof. Mark Scott added, “The best way to solve problems that affect the whole world is to bring together the brightest minds across nations. We are delighted to be working with IIT Madras to tackle the urgent energy issues facing both Australia and India. Together, our researchers will examine crucial questions, such as how to decarbonize and provide affordable energy to remote communities. They will collaborate on renewable energy technologies that are robust, cost-effective, and reliable.”

As well as supporting research and technological innovation, the partnership will provide opportunities for research students as well as early- and mid-career researchers, giving them the chance to work internationally and develop global networks.

Highlighting the unique aspects of this collaboration, Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, “IIT Madras is pleased to sign this agreement with the University of Sydney, which will enable deeper research collaborations between our Universities.”

To support the development of joint research, the two universities will host shared conferences and workshops. An initial workshop took place in August 2022 focusing on hydrogen technologies – crucial as the world looks to decarbonize the energy sector, industry, and transport. Further workshops are scheduled for this year in research areas including solar energy and renewable energy management systems.

Professor Kondo-Francois Aquet-Zinsou from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science said the two institutions’ shared strengths could accelerate the development of alternative technologies to benefit both India and Australia.

Prof. Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou added, “There is no time to waste in finding solutions that will help us adapt to the impacts of climate change,” he said. “The possibilities around the transition to clean energy systems are exciting. We can combine our thinking to develop truly sustainable solutions that can be rapidly adopted.”

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