Research partnership to build skills

Deakin University has announced a strategic research partnership in India with Bharat Forge Ltd that will see researchers from both organisations collaborating on research into thermo mechanical alloy development, finite elements and material performance.

Based in Pune, Bharat Forge is the flagship company of the Kalyani Group and is the largest exporter of auto components from India and the leading chassis component manufacturer in the world with a manufacturing presence across India, Germany, Sweden, the United States and China.

In addition to auto component manufacturing, the company also manufactures highly engineered components for the oil and gas, rail and marine, energy, construction and mining industries.

The core expertise of researchers within Deakin’s Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation is in light metals, fibrous materials, composites and polymers and bio and nano materials.

Deakin Vice Chancellor, Professor Jane den Hollander said the new research partnership would provide an opportunity for two employees of Bharat Forge to enrol for a Higher degree by Research program at Deakin.

“These programs will be completed under our Deakin India Research Initiative which aims to bridge the gap between academia and leading corporate organisations in India,” she said.

The Deakin India Research Initiative was commended earlier this year by Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency following an audit of Deakin’s operations completed last year.

Professor den Hollander said the research would be largely based at Bharat Forge’s research facilities with day-to-day supervision provided locally and principal supervision provided by Deakin researchers from Australia.

“The candidates will spend up to six months at Deakin’s Australian campuses to undertake relevant research under the direct supervision of Australian supervisors.  The goal is skills development and capacity building for both India and Australia,” she said.

The research programs undertaken through the partnership may qualify for funding through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.