La Trobe’s collaboration with Indian institutions has grown significantly in recent years. A particular success is our joint research and PhD programs of which the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN) is the centrepiece. The network involves key partner institutions such as IIT Kanpur, BITS Pilani and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. These partnerships have laid a strong foundation for high quality doctoral training, joint supervision and international collaboration that has real impact.
The creation of the Associate PVC role marks a new phase of development, with a focus on expanding joint doctoral programs, increasing student participation, strengthening institutional and industry partnerships, and building sustained, high-impact research collaboration.
Professor Nick Bisley, PVC Research, congratulated Professor Desai on the appointment.
“Ani brings extensive experience in translational research, industry engagement and international collaboration and I’m delighted to see him step into this position,” Professor Bisley said.
“This role will be critical in building on the momentum we have established in India strengthening our partnerships and expanding opportunities for industry-aligned research.”
Professor Desai is the founder of ASCRIN and Co‑Director of the IIT Kanpur–La Trobe Research Academy, which has grown to become La Trobe’s largest international research initiative, actively engaging more than 180 researchers across La Trobe and partner universities in India and supporting over 100 approved joint PhD projects, with more than 70 doctoral candidates recruited to date and further recruitment underway.
Professor Desai said he was honoured to take on the new role and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.
“Our focus is on building impactful collaborations across universities, industry and government by prioritising research projects with strong potential for adoption and meaningful industry and community impact,” Professor Desai said.
“I look forward to working with colleagues in both India and Australia to deepen these relationships and deliver shared outcomes.”
In this role, Professor Desai will lead our research strategy and partner engagement across India, working closely with colleagues across Research and Innovation, Research Training, La Trobe Asia and the University’s Schools.
His work will align with the University’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and Research and Innovation 2030 plan, with a focus on deepening collaboration with leading Indian institutions, strengthening higher degree by research programs, increasing La Trobe’s research profile in India, and supporting translational research, innovation and industry engagement. He will also represent the University at key events and forums in India.
Professor Desai is a Research Professor and Director of La Trobe’s award-winning Centre for Technology Infusion, where he leads technology‑enabled R&D in partnership with government and business, with a strong focus on delivering tangible outcomes for industry and government organisations.
He has led numerous large-scale R&D programs across high‑impact sectors including transport, energy, logistics and supply chains, health, and agriculture. His commercially oriented work has also underpinned multiple start‑up ventures during his career.
