Swinburne University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have launched the Swinburne-IITH Manufacturing, Materials, Energy and Communication Technologies (SIMMECT) Joint Research Institute to drive research and collaboration on key technological advancements.
Manufacturing will be a central focus of the joint research institute, alongside materials, energy transition, and next-generation communication technologies, the university said in a news release.
The initiative will explore advancements in surface coatings, material development, additive manufacturing, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Other research areas will address decarbonisation in heavy industry, critical minerals, e-waste recycling, and emerging fields such as 6G and quantum sensors.
Professor Karen Hapgood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at Swinburne, said the institute represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two institutions.
“The establishment of the SIMMECT Joint Research Institute will further strengthen the existing ties between Swinburne and IITH and will enable us to expand the opportunities for groundbreaking global research and research training into new areas,” Professor Hapgood said.
The partnership includes joint PhD supervision, researcher and student exchange programs, and multi-institutional research funding. Workshops, conferences, and participation in broader research initiatives will also form part of the collaboration.
Professor B.S. Murty, Director of IITH, highlighted the long-term impact of the initiative.
“This partnership will establish a sustainable framework for long-term cooperation between IITH and Swinburne, enhancing visibility, innovation output, and real-world contributions to industry and society, while ensuring research outcomes have a meaningful impact on addressing global challenge,” Professor Murty explained.
He added, “IITH and Swinburne have been actively pursuing partnered PhD programs since 2017 and 38 scholars have already completed the program, which demonstrates the strong connection between both the Institutes.”
The research institute is supported by initial seed funding from both Swinburne and IITH.
