Thursday 19 / February / 2026
Australia and India will mark 20 years of the Australia India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) by announcing 5 new joint research projects worth $3.76 million.
The AISRF has embodied a simple but powerful idea: that when Australia and India bring their scientific talents together, we create solutions that serve our shared future.
Round 16 of the AISRF supports 5 new joint projects, which focus on AI-accelerated biotechnology, remanufacturing, quantum and RNA vaccine development:
The five projects are:
Monash University and the National Institute for Plant Genome Research aim to engineer thermotolerance in plants using artificial intelligence and genome editing. This will enhance agricultural productivity in rice, a staple food crop of significance to both India and Australia.
La Trobe University and the Indian Institute of Technology Indore are developing thermal insulation panels from recycled photovoltaic waste (PV panels). The project focuses on high-value reuse of difficult components including glass and silicon wafers. It supports Australia and India's net-zero and circular economy commitments.
The University of Southern Queensland and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras will develop eco-friendly methods to recover critical materials from spent batteries using green solvents, ionic liquids and bioleaching – addressing e-waste.
The Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and CBI Society for Medical Education are working on a unique anti-viral technology for allogeneic T cell production. This collaboration will expand the application of this technology to India to address a major unmet need for transplant recipients.
Queensland University of Technology and the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi will design proactive defence mechanisms in quantum systems. The project will demonstrate solutions for the safe use of quantum computing in autonomous vehicles.
These grants, ranging from $200,000 to $1 million per project, address priority areas and challenges common to both countries.
Career Researcher Fellowships under the AISRF will also support 12 emerging Australian research leaders to undertake one-to-three-month collaborative projects at leading Indian scientific institutions.
The AISRF has a strong record of backing frontier technology with real world impact, from quantum-enabled gravimeters for critical minerals exploration, to AI-powered retinal imaging for early disease detection in rural communities.
“For twenty years, the AISRF has shown what’s possible when Australia and India back shared ambition with world‑class science.
“These new projects highlight the strength of our partnership with India and the importance of joint research in tackling global challenges.
“By investing in joint research, we’re building the foundations for innovation that benefits both nations and contributes to a more sustainable and secure future," said Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy.
