Monash University and Tata Steel have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership to address global challenges in decarbonisation, sustainable resource recovery, and smart manufacturing technologies. The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Centre for Innovation on Environment and Intelligent Manufacturing. This collaboration marks Tata Steel’s first major research and development venture with an Australian institution, leveraging Monash’s world-leading expertise in materials science and advanced manufacturing technology.
This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the Australian and Indian innovation ecosystems, providing significant educational and professional opportunities for students and academia. It fosters the exchange of knowledge and talent, enhancing the global impact of both nations in the fields of science and technology.
Professor Doron Ben-Meir, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Engagement) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted the potential to transform industry-focused research into innovative, practical solutions, particularly in the realm of material science and chemical processes. “We are pleased to collaborate with Tata Steel to advance material science and chemical process research. Working with a global industry partner of this stature is an important step to driving the development of new materials and technologies,” said Professor Ben-Meir.
Professor Mainak Majumder, Director of the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D) at Monash Engineering, emphasized the strategic alignment of the Centre for Innovation with Monash’s mission. “The Centre for Innovation is aligned strategically with our mission of thinking locally, but acting globally, as we strive to create impact for Australian-born science and technology,” Professor Majumder stated.
T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, noted India’s significant role in the global steel industry. He underscored Tata Steel’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and the importance of building a comprehensive ecosystem that includes partners from academia and the startup world. “Our agreement with Monash University, an institute with an impressive reputation in material science and the ability to scale research into market-ready solutions, is an addition to this ecosystem. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that opens new business opportunities and drives technological advancements for the benefit of our people and the planet,” Narendran remarked.
As part of its decarbonisation journey, Tata Steel is continuously seeking innovative ways to achieve its sustainability goals. This includes experimenting with new technologies, investing in research, and collaborating with leading institutions. Recently, Tata Steel signed MoUs with Imperial College London and The Henry Royce Institute to establish Centres of Innovation in the UK, focusing on sustainable design and manufacturing, as well as advanced materials.
Monash University’s enterprising activities enhance the value and impact of their research and education outcomes. The university aims to bring inspirational ideas, opportunities, and resources to realize its mission of changing the world for the better. Achieving transformative change relies on creative and effective collaboration with internal and external partners. Monash facilitates and nurtures relationships between researchers, infrastructure, and industry to drive the translation of groundbreaking research into commercial opportunities that deliver positive impact.
Tata Steel, a leading global steel company with an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum, has a widespread geographic presence and a consolidated turnover of approximately $27.7 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. Recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization, Tata Steel and its subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures operate across five continents with a workforce of over 77,000 employees. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero by 2045. Its Jamshedpur Plant is India’s first site to receive ResponsibleSteel™ Certification.
This collaboration between Monash University and Tata Steel is poised to drive significant advancements in sustainable manufacturing practices and technologies, setting a new benchmark for industry-academia partnerships on a global scale. More information about this partnership can be found on Monash University’s website.
