Students Should Be Involved In Research-Oriented Projects: Hollander

Prof. Jane den Hollander, vice chancellor, Deakin University, Australia 

How important do you think is industry-academia collaboration in bridging the skills gap? 

Earlier universities used to be only about teaching and research. However, today, they are well positioned to help drive the innovation that will create future jobs.

Part of that is about aligning industry needs with academic rigour and discovery, so that educational institutions can nurture job ready graduates ready to take their place in the rapidly changing global economy. Not only this, they should also empower students to the extent where they are not only job ready, but also become job creators.

Preparing students for the future jobs and skills is critical to the achievement of strong economic growth and towards the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.

What are the various ways through which institutes can collaborate with industry to enhance the students’ employability quotient? Please share some examples of such collaborations that your university is involved in. 

It is very important to ensure graduates are ready to add value and contribute to the growing needs of the industry. Students should be involved in research-oriented projects that are directly focused on addressing some of the critical problems facing the world. Institutions should proactively consider the partnerships with the corporate located not only within their country, but outside their geographical space to provide the best of experience to the students of different cultural backgrounds.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India and Deakin University will undergo a major expansion to meet the growing need for scientific solutions to issues, including food security for a growing population, sustainable agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.

Under this collaboration, most students would also have the chance to travel to Australia and spend six months undertaking critical experiments using the complementary facilities at Deakin.  Students will therefore, have access to leading facilities and experts in India as well as a highly valuable overseas experience.

The Carbon Nexus research facility at our Waurn Ponds Campus is another great example of how Deakin is developing industry-academic partnerships and the technical capability and scientific capacity needed to lead industry development.

Carbon Nexus is a pivotal point for industry engagement and development. Carbon Nexus is the world’s first, dedicated, pilot scale research plant capable of producing large-scale quantities of industrial and aerospace quality carbon fibre and world-class research into carbon fibre.

How important is the govt.’s role in such collaborations? 

The government plays a very important role. It is important in providing a platform for the creation and growth of these collaborations, as well as potential locations, grants and investment funding that helps us produce tangible results for the communities we serve.

What are the ways by which the challenges associated with this collaboration can be curbed?

One of the key to a sustainable collaboration is local presence, whether in our local communities or close and longstanding partners like India.

However, these partnerships are about far more than dollars. Deakin’s presence in India for nearly two decades is one of the key success points; with a strong focus on building deep and long-term relationships.

I believe, universities in Australia and here in India must continue to build partnerships, if we want to nurture students with a truly global mindset and help us get the most out of the collaborations we build.

Do you believe that customising curriculum as per industry requirements is a good idea? 

In a global market, an internationalised curriculum, with a broader, multidisciplinary and multi-perspective understanding is important. It is also important to tailor relevant curriculum to the requirements of industry.

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