Prof Paul Wellings, vice-chancellor, University of Wollongong, Australia talks to Deebashree Mohanty about the role higher education plays in shaping one’s personality. The university is preparing itself for many new exciting avenues across all fields. Excerpts from the interview
University of Wollongong (UOW) is set to take huge strides. Please elaborateIJ
We have established ourselves as a research based institute globally and there are many new things that we have planned for the next few academic sessions. The university is divided in five core areas where we concentrate on high-level of research work. We are also coming up with a special infrastructure to impart primary education to differently abled children in the age category of 1-8 years. The university has got some funding from the Government to take research work to an altogether new level.
The other thing that we pride ourselves with is the huge facility that houses over 250 PhD students under one roof. We provide them with appropriate guidance and research materials which can be used for their higher studies.
Tell us something about your partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, IndiaIJ
It has been a very fruitful partnership for both of us. The idea was to facilitate advance research collaborations between the two countries. We also plan to establish a dedicated CSIR Research and Development Centre at the University’s Innovation Campus.
Over the coming months the University and CSIR will develop research and development collaborations in areas including advanced steel metallurgy, lithium-ion batteries, super capacitors and polymer-based nano-composites.
Why did you choose Adam Gilchrist as your brand ambassadorIJ
Adam has a strong academic background. His parents were teachers and his elder brother was a graduate at the UOW. We were looking for a face to our campaigns and thought what better than a cricketer to help us connect with people.
He has been with us since 2008 and his image has bought a positive response for the university. Especially during the time when some Indian students were being harassed in Australia, Adam spent a lot of time with Indian students at the campus ensuring them that all will be well
Research-based education over vocational courses. What do you think matters moreIJ
Both are equally important. There has to be a balance between the two. There is a need for research driven education where intellectuals get together to come out with applications that they can put to practical use. There is no use of research work if it cannot be applied. Then, there is also need for vocational education because we do need skilled labour to do our work.
Where does India stand vis-a-vis research educationIJ
We have some great minds in India and they are all doing exceptional work. When it comes to research oriented learning, the US is far ahead of all of us. The UK comes a close second. UOW in Australia is trying to make some space for itself with niche research work. India and China come in next.
India is also extensively a research driven country but sadly there is a dearth of funding. There is also a problem of dedicated research work in the country. A global study reveals that in the next decade a majority of our tech graduates will be based out of Asia.
What makes UOW a perfect destination for studyIJ
The university’s innovation Campus is a research and development precinct where innovative corporations can co-locate with some of the university’s leading research institutes.
The University’s main campus and our innovation campus are only an hour from Sydney International Airport, so it is ideal location for international corporations considering establishing a facility in Australia to service the Asian-Pacific region. It is also the destination for Indian graduates and post graduate students to explore. We have at present about 1,000 students from this country and we are hoping the numbers increase.