Two researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have been awarded Maitri Scholar grants as part of a program fostering deeper Australia-India bilateral relationships through economic, cultural and research projects.

The recipients, Lakshmi Raja and Bharadwaj Pula, join a group of scholars advancing groundbreaking research that strengthens ties between the two nations. 

Lakshmi will study her PhD at the ANU Research School of Physics, on the topic “Detection of blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease using solid state nanopore sensing”. Her supervisor is Professor Patrick Kluth and she will be working with industry partner Thaum.

Bharadwaj will undertake his PhD at the ANU School of Engineering, researching “Development and Optimisation of Metal Halide Perovskite-Based Photoelectrodes for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting”. He will be supervised by Professor Siva Karuturi and will work with industry partner Cavendish Renewable Technology.

The Maitri grants program – Maitri is Sanskrit for “friendship” – supports projects that deepen the Australia-India bilateral relationship and is administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations. Now in its third year, the program reflects Australia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with India through meaningful collaboration across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' future.

Lakshmi’s research aims to explore novel nanopore-based sensing technologies for rapid, non-invasive detection of early protein biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Her long-term vision is to bridge the gap in providing accessible point-of-care diagnostics that could improve patient outcomes worldwide, working at the intersection of physics and biology where innovation has the power to change lives.

For Lakshmi, choosing ANU was driven by its collaborative research environment and commitment to scientific innovation that directly impacts society. The opportunity to work on a meaningful project combining advanced material physics with biomedical applications, alongside the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, made it feel like the ideal academic home.

“Receiving the Maitri Scholarship is truly life changing. Being chosen as one of the few Maitri Scholars feels surreal – it's literally a dream come true,” she says. 

“It’s much more than a scholarship; it's a celebration of possibility, friendship and power of science across borders.”

She says that the scholarship strengthens her connection to Australia and its commitment to impactful, collaborative research. 

“It feels incredibly special to be a part of a program that symbolises the beautiful friendship and collaboration between Australia and India,” she says.

For Bharadwaj, as the first in his family to pursue a PhD abroad, receiving the Maitri Scholarship represents both an immense honour and a transformative opportunity.

“This scholarship not only eases financial pressures, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to research without any constraints, but also connects me to a vibrant community of scholars committed to making a positive impact,” he says.

Bharadwaj says his ultimate goals extend beyond the laboratory. 

“My aim is for my work to transform clean energy ambitions into actionable innovations that drive measurable, sustainable change – creating scalable, viable solutions that not only preserve the planet but empower communities for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow,” he says.

Looking ahead, Bharadwaj aspires to become a highly cited researcher whose work translates into tangible real-world technologies, accelerating the clean energy transition and contributing to global net-zero emissions targets. Similarly, Lakshmi hopes to foster strong international collaborations, especially between Australia and India, while growing into a global researcher who leads with curiosity, compassion and a commitment to impact. 

Swati Dave, Centre for Australia-India Relations Chair, congratulates all recipients of the 2024-2025 Maitri Grants.

“Their work will help deepen engagement between Australia and India across business, arts, culture, and community,” she says.

“The Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships will deliver innovative research in areas such as quantum computing, clean energy and biomanufacturing. 

“Expanding our relationship with India in these fields is more important than ever as we look to increase productivity and secure our prosperity.”

More information is available on the Centre for Australia-India Relations website.