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Science and technology strengthens Indian-Australian links
Australia must look to the future and strengthen its education and research ties
with India to capitalise on the country’s economic boom, according to eminent
Indian scientist, Professor CNR Rao, FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society).
Professor Rao, in Melbourne as an RMIT University Visiting Fellow, said
science and technology were vital to building lasting connections between
Australia and the world’s fastest growing economy.
“India faces many problems and challenges in improving the quality of
research and increasing the number of our science and engineering
graduates,” the world’s foremost solid state and materials chemist said.
“With so many Indian students already studying at institutions in Australia, we
have a golden opportunity to further strengthen the ties between our countries
by collaborating on research and using our shared knowledge to find solutions
to our biggest challenges.”
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said
the University had recently established research collaborations with some of
India’s top institutions, including the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in
Hyderabad, the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, Indian Institute of
Technology Roorkee and the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
“Our researchers will be working together on some of the biggest problems
facing India and the world, including environmental management, air pollution
and climate change,” Professor Gardner said.
“RMIT is proud to welcome Professor Rao, one of India’s most distinguished
scientists to Melbourne.
“His passion and drive have inspired both our researchers and the general
community, and we look forward to building ever-stronger connections with the
scientific community in India.”
Professor Rao, the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister of India, is National Research Professor, Linus Pauling Research
Professor and Honorary President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for
Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, India.
To arrange an interview with Professor Rao or for more information on
RMIT-Indian research collaborations, contact: RMIT University’s
Professor Suresh Bhargava, +61 3 9925 2330 or +61 417 142 761.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Media and
Communications, Paul Noonan, +61 3 9925 2373 or +61 409 239 021.
24 July, 2008
NEWS 
