Indian Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, along with an Indian delegation, visited UNSW Sydney to discuss the university’s advancements in solar technology, clean energy, and waste recycling. Accompanied by Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner to Australia, and officials from the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Australian Federal Department of Education, Minister Pradhan engaged with UNSW researchers and Indian students, reflecting the strengthening partnership between the two countries in education and innovation.
During a luncheon hosted by the Group of Eight (Go8), Minister Pradhan interacted with Indian students from UNSW’s Climate Change Research Centre and Engineering Department. UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs emphasized the longstanding relationship between India and UNSW, noting that Indian students have been a vibrant part of UNSW since the Colombo Plan era, fostering deep cultural and academic ties. With over 2,000 Indian students currently enrolled, the university has become a significant contributor to India’s skilled workforce and a bridge between the two nations.
At the Kensington campus, Minister Pradhan and his delegation explored high-efficiency silicon solar cell technologies, a field in which UNSW has global impact, providing foundational research that supports over 90% of the world’s solar manufacturing. UNSW’s Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program was also highlighted, showcasing innovations in clean energy, green fuels, and waste recycling. Prof. Veena Sahajwalla, leading the Centre for Sustainable Materials and Research Technology (SMaRT), discussed her team’s MICROfactorie technologies that convert waste into valuable products like Green Ceramics and Green Steel, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.
Minister Pradhan also met with several startups that are collaborating with UNSW on projects impacting Indian society, discussing the societal contributions of these initiatives. Addressing students, he expressed optimism for mutual benefits to India and Australia from their academic journeys, highlighting the significant contributions of over 1 million Indians in Australia’s workforce.
Three Indian PhD candidates, Greeshma Surendran, Saral Mittal, and Md Aquib, shared their insights on studying at UNSW. Ms. Surendran, studying severe wind gusts at the Climate Change Research Centre, praised the university’s global partnerships and access to resources critical to addressing climate challenges. Mr. Mittal and Mr. Aquib, from UNSW Engineering, appreciated the practical industry applications and Sydney’s cultural diversity, enriching their educational experience.
Through this visit, Minister Pradhan’s discussions at UNSW underscore the importance of academic collaborations and innovative partnerships to address pressing global challenges, supporting India’s growth in sustainable technologies and advanced research.
