ICAR–IARI and Western Sydney University to Deepen Academic and Research Collaboration

10 October 2025, New Delhi

ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, hosted a high-level delegation from Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia, to strengthen collaboration in agricultural education, research, and innovation. The WSU team, led by Prof. Ian Andersen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), included Prof. Mark Tjoelker, Director, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; Dr. Nisha Rakhesh, Head, International Strategy and Partnerships (Food and Environment); and Dr. Kopal Chaube, Lead, Research Collaborations and Partnerships (South Asia).

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR–IARI, emphasized that India and Australia share similar agro-climatic zones and cropping systems such as wheat and chickpea, and both face common challenges like soil degradation, water scarcity, nutrient imbalances, and climate change. He underscored the need for science-driven collaborations and human resource development to deliver sustainable, farmer- and consumer-centric solutions.

Key areas of discussion included:

•    Expanding the existing Dual Degree Ph.D. Programme to include Undergraduate and Master’s levels;

•    Establishing faculty exchange and sabbatical programmes for teaching and research;

•    Creating synergy between Pusa LaunchPad and WSU LaunchPad to foster student innovation and agri-startups;

•    Strengthening joint research in sustainable resource management, digital agriculture, and climate resilience.

Dr. Anupama Singh, Joint Director (Education), ICAR-IARI, highlighted the shared vision of both institutions WSU, ranked No. 1 globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG implementation, and IARI, ranked No. 2 in India for SDG progress—to advance sustainability-oriented education, skill enhancement, and innovation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to broaden dual degree programmes, initiate student and faculty exchanges, and develop a joint incubation framework. Prof. Andersen announced that WSU’s new Noida Campus, set to open next year, will enhance institutional collaboration and geographic proximity. Dr. Rakhesh added that the campus will feature a LaunchPad facility to enable continuous innovation exchange and employment opportunities for IARI students in Australia.

The delegation also visited the Nanaji Deshmukh Plant Phenomics Centre and the National Phytotron Facility, where they commended IARI’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and scientific leadership.

The visit concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to jointly advance sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient technologies, and globally relevant education models, further strengthening Indo–Australian cooperation for a resilient and food-secure future.

(Source: Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)