The University of Melbourne has announced the appointment of Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi. Professor Ashokkumar was earlier the assistant deputy vice-chancellor of international (India), head of the school of Chemistry, acting director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and associate dean of international at the university’s faculty of science.

He has experience in international education and organisational leadership. 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, as per a statement by the University of Melbourne.

He will continue to pursue the advancement of transnational education and research, and community engagement initiatives designed to foster reciprocal societal benefits, sustained growth, and cultural exchange for both nations.

Professor Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from Madurai-Kamaraj University. In 1989, he completed his PhD from the University of Madras. He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, migrating to Australia with his wife and son. During his 28-year tenure, he gained a professorship in 2011 and became head of the school of Chemistry in 2023.

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.