The University is advancing renewable energy and inclusive education initiatives in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.<\/p>\n
UNSW Sydney has strengthened its long-term engagement with Andhra Pradesh through two strategic partnerships focused on advancing renewable energy innovation and inclusive education. Together, the initiatives bring together the University’s expertise in engineering, research and education to support India’s priorities in clean energy, workforce development and inclusive learning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The partnerships mark another significant milestone in UNSW’s growing engagement with India, following the recent opening of UNSW Bengaluru, the first campus established by an Australian Group of Eight university in India.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the initiatives reflect the University’s long-term commitment to creating meaningful societal impact through global partnerships that advance education, research, innovation and sustainability.<\/p>\n
“UNSW has a long history of translating world-leading research into real-world impact through partnerships that combine education, research and industry. These collaborations with the Government of Andhra Pradesh reflect our shared commitment to addressing critical challenges through knowledge exchange, innovation and capability building,\u201d Prof. Brungs said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuided by our Progress for All strategy, we are committed to working with governments, academic institutions and industry to strengthen research capability, develop future-ready talent and create practical solutions that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development.”<\/p>\n
As part of the collaboration, UNSW will establish a Centre of Excellence for Solar PV Manufacturing and Circularity, drawing on its internationally recognised expertise in solar photovoltaics, renewable energy and industrial decarbonisation. Led by UNSW\u2019s Australian Graduate School of Engineering, the Centre will bring together education, research and industry collaboration to strengthen solar manufacturing capability and support India’s clean energy transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Designed as a two-phase initiative, the Centre will focus on workforce capability through postgraduate programs, executive education, micro-credentials and specialised professional training in areas including solar PV manufacturing, grid integration, recycling, circular economy and next-generation solar technologies. It will also foster long-term research collaborations with Indian universities, research institutions and industry to advance photovoltaic manufacturing, reliability engineering and circularity practices.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition to the the clean energy partnership, UNSW will also lead a distinct strand of the Australia\u2013India Inclusive Education Partnership focused on strengthening the capacity of mainstream school educators to support students with autism. Led by Professor Iva Strnadov\u00e1 and her research team from the School of Education, the program adopts a strength-based, rights-based and neurodivergent-affirming approach to inclusive education.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The initiative will develop three co-designed online professional learning modules for mainstream educators covering inclusive classroom practice, evidence-based pedagogy and supportive learning environments for students with autism. Developed in partnership with autistic people, their families and education partners in Andhra Pradesh, the program aims to establish a scalable model for inclusive educator capacity building that can be adapted across the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Julian Hill MP, Australia’s Assistant Minister for International Education, who attended the signing, said the partnership reflected the growing strength of the Australia\u2013India relationship and the shared commitment of both countries to advancing education, research and innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Australia and India continue to deepen collaboration across education, research and innovation. Initiatives such as these demonstrate the important role universities play in bringing together governments, researchers and industry to develop the knowledge, skills and partnerships needed to address shared challenges while supporting long-term economic and social development.”<\/p>\n