Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has joined hands with University of Melbourne for a joint PhD program in science and technology. University of Melbourne is the first international University ever to partner with IISc on a joint PhD program.

 The same may be extended to Medical PhD programs in the near future. On Friday, the two met at the IISc campus to discuss the intended expansion of their joint PhD program.

The program is part of the Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy (MIPA) a joint initiative consisting of established researchers and joint PhD candidates from the University of Melbourne and a group of India’s top research institutions, engaging in projects that address key issues in science and technology. The program aims to offer a preview of the two institutions’ academic strengths and provide students with mentorship from global experts, enable better adaptability to new cultural and research environments, and provide access to the best facilities and resources.

 Professor Praveen Kumar, Chair, Office of International Relations and faculty member in the Department of Materials Engineering, IISc, said, “This partnership will greatly encourage students from both IISc and University of Melbourne to pursue interesting research projects and will give them a unique opportunity to learn from experts at both institutions..”  

Meanwhile, Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) from the University of Melbourne, said, ‘We were delighted to be the first global university partner in a joint PhD program with our colleagues at IISc. Since then, together with the expertise of both institutions, we have been working on developing some significant research and research training projects, and it is our honour to announce the intent to extend the joint program into the fields of medicine also.”

Under this partnership, IISc and the University of Melbourne will support up to 10 joint PhD candidates each year for the next five years. Students enrolled in the programme can spend at least 12 and up to 24 months in each institution, and upon successful completion of their PhD, graduate with one joint testamur. In order to enroll, graduate researchers must satisfy the entry requirements for PhD at both Indian Institute of Science and The University of Melbourne.

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