In a major 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 (IITD) 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.
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.”
The visit coincided with the launch of the Queensland–India Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028, announced on 21 August 2025. This strategy sets an ambitious agenda to strengthen Queensland’s economic ties with India, focusing on 5 priority areas: energy and resource security, food and agriculture, life sciences and health innovation, sports ecosystem and infrastructure, and research and education. Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) will lead its implementation, aiming to boost trade, attract investment, and foster partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.
Premier Crisafulli was welcomed by Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IITD, who 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 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.”
Professor Terry outlined future collaboration opportunities, including:
• Sports science and technology (with UQ ranked 2nd globally in the field)
• Research linked to the Paralympics
• Targeted education programs in India for Queensland students
• Bilateral exchange programs
• Joint research on global challenges affecting both nations.
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.
Professor Banerjee emphasised the importance of student mobility and cultural exchange, proposing initiatives such as:
• Mobility grants for Australian students to study at IITD
• Industry secondments across both countries
• Thematic joint research programs
• Collaborations in sports science, healthcare, and injury prevention.
• Enhanced engagement with Indian ministries, particularly in Sports and Science & Technology.
He also highlighted IITD’s leadership in national missions such as the National Quantum Mission, proposing joint showcases of quantum research with UQ.
UQ is a global leader in quantum science and technology, leading the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) to develop practical quantum machines.
Premier Crisafulli praised the depth and quality of research, calling the UQ–IITD Research Academy “a model for international collaboration in science and technology.”
To strengthen collaborations with government and industry partners, the Academy will host a series of Industry Connect Workshops across its 6 research themes in October and November 2025. Subscribe to UQ-IITD Research Academy newsletter for updates.
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).
Images: courtesy of TIQ and IITD International Programs Office.