Indian researchers are forging new links with Monash as part of an innovative partnership.

Nine academics based at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB), have conducted the first of what will be many formal visits to the University's Australian campuses.

Monash and IITB have joined forces to create the IITB-Monash Research Academy in Mumbai. PhD students undertake research into issues of common interest to both countries, have a supervisor from both institutions, spend at least six months at Monash, and graduate with a dually-awarded degree.

The four-day visit focused on fostering new partnerships between Monash and IITB staff to boost the academy's work.

IITB CEO Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy said the visit was the first of many and would play a critical role in driving new research and innovation.

"The visiting academics have spent time meeting one-on-one with fellow researchers and seeing the University's range of cutting-edge laboratories and facilities. In just four days it is clear that the visit will help cement productive research partnerships in a range of critically important fields – from computational engineering to biotechnology," Professor Krishnamoorthy said.

IITB's Dean (International Relations) Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri said the successful visit was an encouraging and positive example of mutually beneficial links between Australia and India.

"The world-leading research and innovation that will ultimately grow out of this visit will benefit India, Australia and the world. Our links with Monash will ensure we have talented graduates who can finds solutions to the most pressing challenges facing society over the coming decades," Professor Chaudhuri said.

Professor Krishnamoorthy said the joint-research academy was a unique international collaborative research venture that capitalised on the combined and complimentary expertise of both institutions.

The academy, which opened in 2008, will soon be housed in a purpose-built A$10 million facility. It has received funding support from the Australian and Indian governments and industry leaders from both countries. It currently has 43 PhD students with numbers expected to grow to 350 by 2015.