University of Hyderabad and Flinders University Cement Strategic Partnership in Presence of South Australian Premier and Australian Diplomats

Landmark MoU highlights global cooperation in healthcare and business education, built on long-term academic collaboration

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) and Flinders University, Australia, have entered into a landmark strategic partnership, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 26, 2025 at a high-profile ceremony witnessed by Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, UoH; senior academics and officials of UoH; key Australian dignitaries including Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia and also including HE Mr. Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India; and Ms. Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul-General in Bengaluru.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar of UoH, and Professor Colin Stirling, Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, during an event held at the Vice Chancellor’s conference hall. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in healthcare management, digital health, and business education while enhancing faculty and student exchange, joint research, and professional development.

Key focus areas of the MoU include:

• Joint postgraduate twinning programs in business and healthcare management;
• Co-designed certificate programs and short-term executive training;
• Collaborative research in health workforce, digital health, aged care, operations, and leadership;
• Faculty exchange, co-teaching modules, and student mobility;
• Engagement with industry sectors in Telangana and South Australia;
• Jointly hosted seminars, workshops, and innovation forums.

A cornerstone of the MoU is the longstanding academic collaboration between Professor G.V.R.K. Acharyulu, Dean of the School of Management Studies at UoH, and Dr. Madhan Balasubramanian, Deputy Director of Health Care Management at Flinders University. Their sustained engagement has laid the groundwork for the joint programs and research frameworks formalized in this partnership. Playing a pivotal role in strengthening academic and institutional ties is Associate Professor Angie A. Shafei, Dean of Business at Flinders University, whose leadership further enriches the collaboration.

The international collaboration is being spearheaded by Mr. Bill Damachis, Director of International Partnerships at Flinders University, and Professor Bramanandam Manavathi, Director of the Office of International Affairs at the University of Hyderabad, whose leadership will be instrumental in driving the successful execution of joint initiatives across both institutions.”

In a symbolic moment, the MoU was jointly presented by Associate Professor Shafei, Dr. Balasubramanian, and Professor Acharyulu, followed by a ceremonial signing witnessed by the Premier of South Australia.

“This partnership demonstrates our shared vision to build meaningful academic bridges and co-create solutions for global healthcare and management challenges,” said Prof. B.J. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad.

Professor Colin Stirling remarked, “Our collaboration with UoH is rooted in mutual respect and academic excellence. We are proud to advance this relationship in the presence of our government leaders.”

In his address, Premier Peter Malinauskas MP applauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of international academic partnerships in shaping future-ready sectors such as health and digital innovation.

Later the delagetion visited ASPIRE Bio-Nest at the School of Life Sciences.