New Delhi, 21 November 2024: The University of Melbourne today announced the appointment of Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi. Professor Ashokkumar brings a wealth of experience in international education and organisational leadership, with previous roles as Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), Head of School of Chemistry, Acting Director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and Associate Dean International at the University’s Faculty of Science.
In his new role, he will lead the University’s strategic initiatives, outreach, and collaborations within India, fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, industry leaders, and other sector-specific entities to reinforce the commitment to the India-Australia bilateral relationship.
In his capacity, he will continue to pursue the advancement of Transnational Education (TNE), Transnational Research (TNR), and Community Engagement initiatives designed to foster reciprocal societal benefits, sustained growth, and cultural exchange for both nations.
Congratulating Ashok on his appointment, Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor of University of Melbourne, said, “Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment marks an important moment for our engagement with India. His expertise and passion for transnational partnerships will shape the future of education and research between India and Australia. I look forward to seeing how Professor Ashokkumar will lead meaningful collaborations that inspire and empower future generations.”
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) University of Melbourne expressed his enthusiasm for Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment.
“Professor Ashokkumar is deeply respected by his peers and students alike. He represents the essence of international collaboration in education,” said Professor Wesley. “His global network, rigorous research background, and commitment to education make him exceptionally well suited for this role. I am confident that under his leadership, the Melbourne Global Centre- Delhi will flourish as a vibrant hub for innovation and transnational collaboration, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers from both our countries.”
On his new role, Professor Ashokkumar, Director of Melbourne Global Centre said, “The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi is a significant step in our longstanding commitment to fostering wider engagement between India and our University. Building on partnerships that span over 16 years, we are dedicated to empowering and enhancing capacity within India to collaboratively benefit both societies for a shared future through transnational education (TNE) and transnational research (TNR). In my role as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, I am committed to deepening our ties with India and continuing to support the country’s long-term academic and research aspirations. The Centre will connect generations of scholars and researchers, strengthening existing and forging new bilateral connections and facilitating meaningful educational and cultural exchanges to create more pathways and opportunities for students and scholars to thrive in a global environment”.
Professor Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master (1984) degrees from Madurai- Kamaraj University. In 1989, he obtained his PhD from University of Madras, India. He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, migrating to Australia with his wife and son from Madurai, India. During his 28-year tenure at Australia’s #1 ranked university (globally ranked 13th), his passion for teaching and research has seen him rise through the ranks of the University’s Faculty of Science, gaining professorialship in 2011, and becoming Head of School of Chemistry in 2023.
Throughout his career, Professor Ashokkumar has established significant Transnational Education (TNE) and Transnational Research (TNR) programs and helped develop the Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy, which involved partner institutions across India.
Research
Through his research in ultrasonics and sonochemistry, Professor Ashokkumar has made substantial contributions to materials science, food technology, and dairy industries. He is recognised internationally, having published around 540 refereed papers, received approximately AUD$15 million in research grants, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. His work has earned him a high reputation in academic circles, and he has delivered over 300 invited lectures at major conferences and institutions worldwide.
Engagement with India
In 2018, Professor Ashokkumar was appointed to the institution-wide role of Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), developing the University’s India Engagement Strategy 2020–2024. The insight and relationships he brought to this role ensured a partnership model of piloting programs with Indian institutions and then testing them for scaling suitability. As part of this, Professor Ashokkumar played a critical role in the establishment of the Bachelor of Science (Blended) program, the Bachelor of Science dual degree program, and the launch of the University of Melbourne’s Schools Engagement Program in India.
Alongside his appointment as Director at the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar will simultaneously commence as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor International (South Asia and Middle East) for the University of Melbourne. These two roles reaffirm the University’s dedication to enhancing education and research partnerships in these regions and will be instrumental in delivering the University’s international strategy, Advancing Melbourne Globally.
