In a significant step toward deepening Australia–India research collaboration, The Honorable David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi on 1 September 2025 with a high-level delegation. The visit highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Queensland and India in science, technology, and education.

Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director IIT Delhi welcomed Premier Crisafulli and highlighted the Institute’s thriving partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ). Anchored by the UQ–IITD Research Academy, this collaboration has become a model for cross-border academic engagement, tackling global challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Professor Banerjee emphasized the importance of student mobility and cultural exchange, proposing initiatives including mobility grants, industry secondments, joint research programs, and enhanced engagement with Indian ministries.

Premier Crisafulli expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This relationship between our states and nations is built on genuine warmth and friendship. Through this visit, we aim to leverage India’s expertise as we prepare for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane – an opportunity to create generational impact through infrastructure and innovation.”

                                             
L-R: IITD Director Professor Rangan Banerjee, Qld Premier David Crisafulli, UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry.

Professor Deborah Terry AC, UQ President and Vice-Chancellor, reflected on the Academy’s growth: “What began with just 7 scholars now includes 135 PhD candidates across 6 thematic areas, plus 23 graduates. We’re proud of our graduates who are making an impact across Australia, India, and globally.”

She outlined future collaboration opportunities including sports, science and technology (UQ is ranked 2nd globally), Paralympics-linked research, targeted education programs in India for QLD students, bilateral exchanges, and joint research on global challenges.

During the visit, the Qld Premier engaged with IITD and UQ delegates and attended a research showcase featuring 4 PhD scholars from the joint Academy. Their work spans critical areas including healthcare, clean energy, digital engineering, quantum technologies, and advanced materials.

Both the leaderships highlighted their strengths in quantum technologies where IIT Delhi serve as QMD T-Hub for India’s National Quantum Mission and UQ leading ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, a proposal for joint showcases of quantum research was put forward.

Premier Crisafulli praised the depth and quality of research, calling the UQ–IITD Research Academy “a model for international collaboration in science and technology.”

                         
L-R: Qld Premier Crisafulli at IITD with UQ–IITD Research Academy scholars Vishnu M S, Abhinav Dewangan, Pallavi Gupta, and Vijay Rahane.

Qld Premier Crisafulli (centre) with IITD and UQ delegates including IITD Director Professor Banerjee, IITD Dean of International Programs Professor Anil Verma (next to Director Banerjee), Professor-In Charge of the Academy Professor P Vigneswara Ilavarasan (next to Dean), UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Terry, UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Mr Brett Lovegrove, and UQ–IITD Research Academy Program Director Ms Aashita Apoorva (far left).

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