The University of Melbourne established the Australia India Institute in October 2008.
The University's aim was to establish a world-class Australia India Institute based at the University of Melbourne, acknowledged for its regional leadership in research, graduate training, executive briefings, policy advice and knowledge partnerships for the benefit of both countries and the broader Asia Pacific region. Both the University of New South Wales and La Trobe University were also founding partners.
A stocktake of staff and research programs at the University revealed well over 100 staff with strong research or professional links to India, across all Faculties, from Medicine to Music, often supported by substantial external funding.
Australia needs to continue, and indeed, strengthen its engagement with India through research, professional links and co-operation. Australia needs to know, understand and work together with India more now than ever before.
The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard announced on 7 August 2009 that the Australian government would provide jsut over $8 million to support the activities of the Australia India Institute.
The Australia India Institute’s core activities are to:
- Operate as a national epicentre of information on India
- Build India knowledge in the Australian government, business and general communities
- Engage in practical collaborative research around priority areas
- Develop and enhance skills with postgraduate level teaching and exchanges
- Provide consultancies on issues of national priority
- International conferences, community engagement and cultural dialogues
