Fellowships Awarded to Indian Women Researchers for STEM Collaboration with Australia
Indian women researchers have been awarded fellowships to collaborate with Australian STEM experts on critical topics, including climate-resilient crops, rabies control, and a green solution for fuel cell technology.
Their research will be supported by the Australia India Women Researchers’ Exchange (AIWE) Program, led by the Australia India Institute and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education.
The successful Indian fellows were announced today at the Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting, attended by Indian Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Hon Dharmendra Pradhan, and Australian Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare.
Five early-career researchers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India will participate in a 6 to 8-week research exchange in Australia:
- Dr. Blessy Babukutty from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, will collaborate with Federation University to improve the sustainability of fuel cell technology by developing a novel membrane made from seaweed.
- Dr. M. Dhanalakshmi from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University will partner with The University of Sydney to improve rabies control in India’s free-roaming dog populations using advanced mathematical modelling.
- Dr. Anshida Mayeen from Cochin University of Science and Technology will work with James Cook University to develop advanced dermal patches for treating complex wounds, including chronic and diabetic wounds.
- Dr. Shreya Singh from Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, will collaborate with the University of Newcastle on bio-inspired seed coatings to enhance crop resilience in drought conditions.
- Dr. Sonia Singh from Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, will team with the University of New England to study the effects of elevated CO₂ on tomato plants, focusing on the link between leaf respiration and the impact on tomato yield.
CEO of the Australia India Institute, the Hon Lisa Singh, said investing in women researchers is crucial for advancing innovation in STEM fields.
“By supporting women researchers through the AIWE Program, we are promoting gender equality and enriching the quality and diversity of STEM research,” said Ms Singh.
“We look forward to welcoming these talented women to Australia and witnessing the impactful research that will emerge from these fellowships.”
For more information on the AIWE Program, visit the Australian Researcher Cooperation Hub-India, a digital platform promoting researcher engagement between Australia and India.