Australian and Indian researchers will again unite to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, with Round 15 of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) backing five projects worth a total of $3.8 million.

Spanning nanomaterials, e-waste, artificial intelligence and the development of new medicines to tackle superbugs, the research partnership will include:

• Developing an AI platform to monitor soil health and prevent degradation in vulnerable areas.
• Developing new sustainable technology to maximise the recycling of metal from discarded mobile devices. 
• Designing nanomaterials for affordable and scalable water remediation using solar-thermal energy.
• Using components of the immune system 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 recipients are the Australian National University, Monash University, the University of Adelaide, the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney.

The Indian Government will support their partners in each project, which include 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 supports collaboration between Australia and India’s leading universities, research institutions and the end users of scientific innovation.

Established in 2006, the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund has delivered over $100m in grant activities, including:

• 368 collaborative research projects, workshops and fellowships, including 143 Collaborative research projects over 14 rounds.
• 181 Early and mid-career fellowships.

For more details on the AISRF and grant recipients visit business.gov.au/grants-and-programs.  

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science

“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.”

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India

“I feel 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.”

“I am sure the projects which emerged out of collaboration would result in significant scientific discoveries and technological advancements in areas of mutual interest.”

“While reinforcing our commitment to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem with Australia, I congratulate all the researchers involved with these projects for a prosperous and sustainable future.”