IIT Madras signs joint doctoral programme agreement with Curtin University

CHENNAI: In an attempt to broaden and strengthen research links with Australia, the IIT Madras on Thursday signed a joint doctoral programme agreement with Curtin University, Australia. 

Curtin University dean international for the faculty of Science and Engineering Syed Islam, said that the new programme would strengthen engineering and management related activities across the two institutes. "It will help students gain perspective of both countries as they will be exposed to different cultures. This collaboration is being undertaken to help achieve the vision of the University through research," he said. 


IIT Madras Director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said that they expect an increased intake of Phd students through such programs. He said that the Phd intake in IIT-M had increased from approximately 200 students to 500 students over the last few years. This agreement, he said, would also encourage joint supervision over projects from both institutes. 

Curtin University associate deputy vice chancellor Brett Kirk, who signed the agreement with the IIT Director, said that partnering with institutes across the world was key to research outcomes and that India has always been a growing partner for them. 

The programme is expected to increase the quality of doctoral students entering the research programme as those interested to undertake the doctoral programme must meet entry requirements of both universities which includes an honours degree in the undergraduate level, a masters' degree in research and published research papers. 

Curtin University already has an MoU and a student exchange agreement with IIT Madras in Ocean engineering. Now, it plans to grow aggressively in research and improve on its core areas of engineering, energy, management and health," said Syed Islam. 

The University will also be sending a group of engineering students for a semester funded by the New Colombo Plan, an initiative under the Australian government to encourage students to study abroad. 

Curtis University pro-vice chancellor Andris Stelbovics said that they were hoping to encourage more undergraduate students from their University to come to India especially for industry training in companies.