The IITB–Monash Research Academy hosted its graduation ceremony, awarding 20 doctoral degrees to Indian scholars in the presence of academic leaders, industry representatives, government officials and families of graduates.

The event was graced by Dr Megan Clark AC, chancellor of Monash University; Professor Shireesh Kedare, director of IIT Bombay; and Professor Craig Jeffrey, deputy vice-chancellor (International) at Monash University, alongside senior dignitaries from both institutions.

M.S. Unnikrishnan, chief executive officer of the Academy, hailed the milestone as a testament to the strength of the Indo–Australian partnership. “Since its inception, the Academy has graduated 265 scholars, with alumni addressing global challenges and founding 12 start-ups in sectors spanning energy storage to advanced healthcare,” he said.

Professor Kedare emphasised the Academy’s collaborative ethos, noting that its joint PhD programme fosters interdisciplinary innovation and equips scholars to deliver real-world impact. Professor Jeffrey added that the Academy’s graduates are in high demand across leading companies and universities worldwide.

This year’s cohort presented research spanning diverse domains — from lagrangian transport in alveolar flows and metal–organic nanomaterials for toxic gas detection to studies of representative democracy in India.

“These projects underscore the Academy’s mission to advance knowledge while tackling real-world challenges across multiple sectors,” Professor Jeffrey remarked.

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