Forum of Australian Academics of Indian Origin Successfully Concludes at QUT
Brisbane, Australia —The first Forum of Australian Academics of Indian Origin meet-up concluded successfully on 21 November 2025 at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), marking a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and research.
The concept for the Forum was first proposed by academics of Indian origin in Australia during the recent ministerial visit of Hon. Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Minister of Education, and his Australian counterpart, Hon. Jason Clare. The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished representatives from the High Commission of India, the Australian Government, and Queensland University of Technology, including:
• Her Excellency Ms Irina Thakur, Acting High Commissioner of India
• Her Excellency Neetu Bhagotia, Consul General, Indian Consulate Brisbane
• Professor Chennupati Jagadish, AC, President of the Australian Academy of Science
• Professor Mark Harvey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Business Development, QUT
• Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, Faculty of Health, Office of the Executive Dean, QUT
• Professor Ian O’Hara, Acting Executive Dean of Faculty of Engineering.
• Professor Clinton Fookes, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering, QUT
• Ms Vanessa Lapthorne, Assistant Secretary, International Engagement, Department of Education, Australian Federal Government
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Mark Harvey praised the initiative and commended academics for taking a proactive role in establishing the Forum, reaffirming QUT’s commitment to fostering global collaboration.
In her address, Deputy High Commissioner Ms Irina Thakur described the Forum as “an important milestone in Australia–India cooperation in research and education,” emphasising the growing strategic value of academic partnerships between the two nations.
Consul General H.E. Neetu Bhagotia highlighted the significance of the Forum for Brisbane’s academics of Indian origin and expressed her eagerness to see the platform grow and strengthen in the years ahead.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Chennupati Jagadish, AC, President of the Australian Academy of Science, underscored the importance of Australia and India working together with genuine intent to advance mutual scientific and educational goals. He emphasised the need for responsible research with a strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) focus as both nations navigate an era rich with opportunities yet marked by global challenges.
Jointly supported by the Australian High Commission, Canberra, and the Australian Department of Education, the Forum brought together academics, policymakers, government representatives, and sector leaders to explore new avenues for collaboration in higher education, scientific research, and innovation-led development.
The event also featured panel discussions on emerging technologies, AI in education and research, health, and neuroscience. Participants, primarily academics, expressed strong enthusiasm for the Forum, describing it as a much-needed initiative and conveying keen interest in seeing it grow and evolve in the years ahead.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural meet-up sets the foundation for a recurring platform dedicated to advancing Australia–India academic cooperation and building sustainable, future-focused partnerships in the fields of education, health, agriculture, and science and technology.