As part of our Defence Program, the Institute commenced 2025 with the an important 1.5 track security dialogue on Australia and India enhancing cooperation with island states in partnership with the University of the South Pacific. The Fiji Dialogue, held in Suva on 7 February, was an important step in the conversation on how Australia and India can work cooperatively with island state neighbours on a range of issues. By hosting the Dialogue in Fiji, with a range of island state voices present, it gave a better understanding on the perspective of security from an island state point of view.
This month I have also welcomed our new women in STEM research fellows. Our Australia India Women Researcher Fellowships comprises an amazing group of women from Australia and India working on groundbreaking research topics for both countries and for many it will be their first visit to India or Australia, creating an opportunity for life long cultural experiences and friendships.
The Institute continues to build its Sustainable Economies pillar of work through research engagement and delivering the ‘Victoria India Clean Energy Roundtable’ thanks to the support from Consulate General of India (Melbourne), Smart Energy Council and Victorian Government. This area will only continue to grow with the recently launched India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership by both prime ministers.
On that note, the Australia India Business Council will today host an important webinar on the Bilateral Energy Revolution: Australia & India’s Path to a greener Future with federal Climate Change and Energy Minister, the Hon. Chris Bowen.
Finally, I’d like to congratulate our Research Fellow, Dr Sam Bashfield on his Phd conferral this month. We’re very proud of you Sam and look forward to seeing the work you do in 2025!
Best,
Lisa