Research collaboration in environmental science, renewable energy and micro electronics will be pursued by a new UTS-led consortium bringing together technology educators, research organisations and business groups in India and Australia.

UTS Dean of Engineering Professor Archie Johnston has spearheaded the formation of Australia-India Collaborative Research Network, which involves the Australian Technology Network of Universities (including UTS), India's Energy and Resources Institute, its National Institute of Technology and the Deli College of Engineering.

Professor Johnston, who is President of the Australian Council of Engineering Deans, said the consortium was seeking support from the Australian Government's Australia-India Strategic Research Fund to conduct research and development workshops next year in Australia and India.

The workshops would open the way for research collaboration in priority areas already agreed upon by the Indian and Australian governments – environmental science, renewable energy and micro electronic devices and materials.

Professor Johnston said the initiative had the support of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), which represents more than 100,000 companies and professionals in India. In March this year ASSOCHAM appointed Professor Johnston an Honorary Advisor on education and industry links with Australia.

"Whatever the decision in regarding government funding, tangible working relationships are being developed," Professor Johnston said.

"Of course from Australia's point of view India's growing importance in the world economy is a driver, but by the same token Indian government and industry are keen to develop educational and research pathways in Australia."

Professor Johnston said this was a message reinforced when he met the President of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam earlier this month.

"Dr Kalam, who trained as an engineer but is now known more as a poet and philosopher, spoke of the importance of education in harmonising the relationships between the people and cultures of India and Australia," he said.

"In practical terms that may mean greater numbers of Indian research students coming to Australian rather than the United States and expanded opportunities for Australian graduates in India."

Professor Johnston said UTS had now signed memoranda of understanding with the National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Deli Engineering College and Chandigarh Engineering College to facilitate cooperation and student exchanges.

The Australian Technology Network (ATN) is made up of Curtin University of Technology, the University of South Australia, RMIT University, the Queensland University of Technology and UTS.