Australian and Indian researchers are joining forces again to address some of the world’s most urgent issues through Round 15 of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF). This round backs five innovative projects with a total funding of $3.8 million.
These projects encompass areas such as nanomaterials, e-waste, artificial intelligence, and the development of new medicines to combat superbugs. The research initiatives include:
- Developing an AI platform to monitor soil health and prevent degradation in vulnerable areas.
- Creating new sustainable technology to maximise the recycling of metals from discarded mobile devices.
- Designing nanomaterials for affordable and scalable water remediation using solar-thermal energy.
- Utilising immune system components to guide the design of new antimicrobials to treat drug-resistant infections.
- Developing improved diagnostics to detect bacterial infections and novel therapeutics to treat them.
The Australian National University, Monash University, the University of Adelaide, the University of Queensland, and the University of Sydney are the Australian recipients. The Indian Government will support their partners in each project, including the Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, AbGenics, and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
Representing Australia’s largest bilateral science cooperation, the AISRF fosters collaboration between leading universities, research institutions, and the end users of scientific innovation in both countries.
Since its establishment in 2006, the AISRF has delivered over $100 million in grant activities, including 368 collaborative research projects, workshops, and fellowships. This includes 143 collaborative research projects over 14 rounds and 181 early and mid-career fellowships.
Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, said, “The world isn’t short of complex issues, with collaboration between nations playing an essential role in delivering scientific breakthroughs that will make a difference.
“From tougher strains of bacteria to e-waste and AI, our bilateral research partnership puts Australia’s brightest minds to creating better solutions for the world’s ongoing and emerging challenges.
“The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund has delivered more than 360 collaborative research projects in the past 18 years, ensuring our nation’s universities and research institutions have remained at the forefront of global research initiatives.”
According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India
“The collaboration is crucial in this modern era to address critical global challenges and in fostering sustainable development. The AISRF is a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Australia.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
