Thapar Institute and University of Queensland Launch Joint PhD Program in Data Science and AI

Thapar Institute and University of Queensland Launch Joint PhD Program in Data Science and AI

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 7,2025

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), one of India’s leading institutions in engineering and applied sciences, and The University of Queensland (UQ), a top 50 global university, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint PhD Program, marking a major milestone in advancing international academic collaboration.

The program will be offered through the TIET-UQ Centre of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), a joint research initiative dedicated to interdisciplinary innovation in data science and AI. The Centre, co-led by Professor Inderveer Chana (TIET) and Professor Tim Miller (UQ), is designed to drive cutting-edge research that addresses global challenges through data-driven insights and technological advancement.

The Joint PhD Program will enable selected candidates to undertake research under joint supervision from both institutions. The structure includes three years of research at TIET and one year at UQ, giving scholars the opportunity to work across two globally recognized academic environments. The initiative is built to foster impactful research, international exposure, and academic excellence in rapidly evolving technology domains.

The launch of this initiative was graced by senior leadership from both universities. From TIET, Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Vederah, Chancellor; Professor Padmakumar Nair, Vice Chancellor; and Professor Ajay Batish, Pro Vice Chancellor, were present to commemorate the occasion. The University of Queensland was represented by Peter Varghese, Chancellor; Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Susan Harrison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, along with other key academic figures.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of TIET and UQ to fostering research- driven education and strengthening Indo-Australian cooperation in emerging areas of technology. It offers students not only access to world-class research infrastructure but also the opportunity to contribute to global knowledge through collaborative inquiry.

Applications are now open for highly motivated candidates with strong academic foundations in computer science, data science, or allied disciplines.

For more information, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official website of the TIET-UQ Centre of Excellence in DSAI.