The IIT Kanpur – La Trobe University Research Academy has appointed a respected experienced engineer, academic and researcher as its inaugural Director.

Esteemed expert in electrical engineering, Professor Suresh Chandra Srivastava, will take a leadership role in training the next generation of highly skilled research leaders and expanding the academy’s industry partnerships.

The IIT Kanpur – La Trobe University Research Academy is based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and has a strong presence at La Trobe’s Australian campuses for visiting staff and PhD students.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar (Director, IIT Kanpur)

Prof. SC Srivastava (Department of Electrical Engineering)

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said Professor Srivastava’s appointment is an exciting step for the academy.

“The world faces unprecedented challenges across areas like health, food and water security, and urban planning and transport, and now more than ever we need strong international research collaborations and a shared commitment to finding global solutions,” Professor Dewar said.

“The joint appointment of Professor Srivastava as Director will strengthen our research ecosystem, and deliver impactful, cutting-edge work that benefits communities globally.”

“We are excited to have Prof SC Srivastava on board with us as the Director of the IIT Kanpur – La Trobe University Research Academy. I am quite certain that Prof. Srivastava, with his decades of experience in research and academia, will help the Academy achieve and surpass all its set goals,” said Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur.

The IIT Kanpur – La Trobe University Research Academy was launched in Mumbai in February 2020 at a ceremony attended by La Trobe Chancellor the Honourable Mr John Brumby AO.

La Trobe University has strong ties with India. The University is one of the founding members of the Australia India Institute (AII), has an office in Delhi and is party to more than 20 agreements with Indian institutions. La Trobe has a ten-year partnership with the Indian Film Festival, and during his visit Mr Brumby award La Trobe’s Shah Rukh Khan PhD scholarship to a high achieving female student from Kerala.