Queensland-based Griffith University signs MOU with IISc and Manipal Academy of Higher Education

India, 03rd May: Queensland-based Griffit University has signed MOUs with two of India\'s most prestigious higher education institutions - Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) during its delegation visit to India led by Prof Carolyn Evans - Vice Chancellor, Griffith University.

These partnerships aim to further enhance existing linkages between the institutions and explore new areas of collaboration, including joint degree programs and research initiatives. According to Prof Carolyn Evans - Vice Chancellor, Griffith University, \"Relationships with Indian institutions are increasingly important to Griffith University, and we are committed to strengthening our educational and research ties with some outstanding partners. These MOUs with IISc and MAHE are a significant milestone in our journey, and we are excited about the opportunities they present. The collaborations will enable us to leverage each other\'s strengths and expertise and create unique opportunities for our students and researchers to work together on cutting-edge research and innovation projects. The fact that both of these partners have been recognised by the Indian Government as Institutions of Eminence is proof of their global reputation for excellence and we are proud to be partnering with them.\"

The MOU with IISc is focused on Water Science, building on existing collaborations between Griffith\'s Australian Rivers Institute and the IISc\' Water Solutions Lab. The partnership will explore the potential for a dual postgraduate degree program, which will enable eligible Indian students to complete their postdoctoral degree at Griffith in Australia, thus gaining a qualification from both institutions as well as valuable international experience. This will create a unique opportunity for Indian students to receive an international education and for both institutions to enhance their global reputation and networks.

Highlighting the advantage of this MOU, Professor Abhishek Kumar Singh, Chair - Office of International Relations at IISc, said \"We are extremely happy by our collaborations with Griffith University through various workshops and research projects/exchanges in Climate change. I am sure this MoU will add value to the ongoing interactions and strengthen our relationship further in other interdisciplinary areas.\"

Similarly, the MOU with MAHE, which has been active since 2007 and will be renewed once again, will focus on health, allied health sciences, and environmental engineering, as well as student exchange and recruitment. As part of the renewed partnership, the two institutions will launch a jointly supervised Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Griffith, which will provide a tuition scholarship as well as a living stipend for up to two eligible MAHE doctoral candidates per year. Candidates can follow a specific interest in research areas including pharmacy, health and biological sciences, engineering, and natural sciences. This program will help to create a pathway for Indian students to pursue a PhD in Australia and develop their research skills under the guidance of two prestigious institutions.

Dr. Karunakar Kotegar, Director of International Collaborations, MAHE expressed his elation at witnessing the opening of the joint doctoral program with Griffith University, stating, \"This partnership has been fruitful for over a decade now. What started as a student exchange program with the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences has now evolved into various facets like faculty exchange, cultural immersion programs, and joint conferences. We hope that MAHE students make the most of this golden opportunity and we look forward to explore more options in other areas of mutual interest to ensure that both universities benefit from this collaboration. Griffith, being one of the top-ranked universities, adds immense value to the partnership.\"

In recent times with government support and qualification recognition, Australia has become a favorable destination for the Indian cohort and Griffith University is one of the leading destinations for students. Griffith has a vibrant Indian student community, which now represents the largest international student group with 20.91%.

Sharing his thoughts, on the significance of these MOUs, Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner-South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland, said, \"I am thrilled to see Griffith University forging strong partnerships with leading Indian institutions like IISC and MAHE. Griffith University is a world-class institution and has contributed significantly to strengthening the Australia-India corridor. These partnerships will further support the strong relationship the two countries have forged with the recent signing of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). We at Study Queensland (Queensland Govt, Australia) are supportive and extremely proud of these partnerships.\"

The MOUs with IISC and MAHE will further strengthen Griffith\'s global partnerships and help the University to expand its reach in the Indian higher education market. These collaborations will enable Griffith to offer more opportunities for Indian students to study in Australia and build cultural and academic bridges between the two countries. The partnerships will also help to create new avenues for joint research and innovation initiatives, which will benefit both institutions and contribute to global knowledge production.

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