The IITB-Monash Research Academy in Mumbai has reached a significant academic milestone by celebrating its 300th PhD graduate, highlighting the growing impact of international collaboration in research and doctoral education.
Established as India’s oldest and largest joint PhD program, the IITB-Monash Research Academy currently has 175 active doctoral students working on research addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Their work spans artificial intelligence and advanced computational modelling, clean energy, health sciences, smart materials, sustainable societies and management, circular economy, infrastructure engineering and design.
The milestone reflects the Academy’s contribution to developing highly skilled researchers equipped to translate advanced research into practical solutions across industries and communities.
MS Unnikrishnan, CEO of the IITB-Monash Research Academy, said the program has helped students transform complex technical challenges into real-world solutions while contributing to India’s workforce development goals.
“The IITB-Monash Research Academy has helped 300 brilliant students turn tough technical challenges into real-world solutions,” Unnikrishnan said. He added that connecting the Academy’s research expertise with local business hubs such as the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) helps graduates contribute to India’s industrial and technological development.
The milestone also highlights the broader research and educational relationship between India and Australia. Monash University has established more than 470 research partnerships with Indian institutions and maintains several transnational education pathways and industry collaborations focused on strategic research areas.
Beyond research partnerships, Monash has supported greater student mobility between Australia and India. Since 2022, more than 1,250 Monash students from Australia have travelled to India through university-supported travel grants. The university also offers Hindi and Punjabi language programs in Melbourne, supporting engagement with the Indian community.
Monash University’s connection with India is further reflected in its alumni network, which includes more than 2,600 graduates living in India. Globally, the university has an alumni community of more than 530,000 graduates.
The 300th PhD milestone reinforces the IITB-Monash Research Academy’s role in strengthening international research collaboration and preparing researchers to contribute to India’s future scientific, technological and industrial landscape.
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