Five trailblazing Australian women researchers have been awarded prestigious fellowships to collaborate with leading Indian STEM experts. Their work will tackle critical global challenges, including urban rainwater harvesting, brain disease insights through data, and AI-driven air quality forecasting.
The initiative, part of the Australia India Women Researchers’ Exchange (AIWE) Program, is spearheaded by the Australia India Institute and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education.
Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, highlighted the program’s role in empowering women in STEM and advancing bilateral research collaboration.
“As the world’s third-largest producer of science and engineering publications, India is home to a dynamic research environment driving global innovation,” Ms Singh said.
“These fellowships enable early-career women researchers to engage with India’s leading scientists and institutions, tapping into its renowned STEM expertise.”
The fellowships provide an opportunity for five researchers from Australian regional universities to spend six to eight weeks in India, partnering with mentors in their fields of study.
Dr Indu Bala (University of Adelaide) will collaborate with Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, to optimise urban rainwater harvesting systems.
Dr Paula Cartwright (James Cook University) will join the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar to enhance water quality monitoring in coastal ports.
Dr Azadeh Noori Hoshyar (Federation University) will partner with Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology to advance research on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Dr Ekta Sharma (University of Southern Queensland) will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to harness AI for urban air quality forecasting.
Dr Pabasara Wanniarachchige (University of Wollongong) will work with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, on geothermal reservoir dynamics to improve energy efficiency.
With women representing only 30 percent of global STEM researchers, initiatives like the AIWE Program are critical for addressing gender disparity in the field, Ms Singh said.
“These fellowships not only create opportunities for early-career women researchers but also pave the way for the next generation to step into leadership roles,” she added.
“We look forward to seeing the innovative outcomes of these collaborations and the strengthening of Australia-India research ties.”
This announcement follows the earlier selection of five Indian women researchers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, who will conduct research in Australia under the same exchange program.
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