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ECU to foster Australia-Bhutan innovation and knowledge exchange

In partnership with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra, ECU is proud to host the second edition of the Australia-Bhutan Research Conference. The Conference will take place in December 2024 at the ECU Joondalup Campus.

A Buthanese castle next to the Bhutan Punakha Dzong River with green mountains in the background. The 2024 Australia-Bhutan Conference will be held at Edith Cowan University.

In partnership with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra, Edith Cowan University (ECU) is proud to host the second edition of the Australia-Bhutan Research Conference.

Based on the resounding success of the inaugural conference held last year at the University of Sydney, the Conference showcases Australia-Bhutan research linkages, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

A group of ECU delegates standing in front of The University of Sydney. 2023 delegates at the Australia-Bhutan Conference at the University of Sydney.

The Friend of Bhutan

ECU, also known as The Friend of Bhutan, has been a first choice for many Bhutanese students, thanks to the University's commitment to fostering a deep and lasting friendship with the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Over the years, ECU has organised numerous delegations to solidify our commitment to academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In 2023, ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman's visit to Bhutan included the conference, Building Bhutan’s Future-Ready Workforce, which was hosted by ECU in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Building Bhutan's Future-Ready Workforce was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, and served as a platform to showcase initiatives, strategies, and programs aimed at preparing Bhutan’s workforce for the future.

ECU delegates with Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck of Bhutan wearing traditional Bhutanese clothing. ECU delegates with Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.

Mutual growth and prosperity

To further strengthen ECU's relationship with Bhutan and build on last year's Australia-Bhutan Research Conference, ECU will host the second edition of the Conference, titled Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Emerging Topics - Bridging Innovations between Australia and Bhutan in December 2024 at the ECU Joondalup Campus.

The Conference will provide a platform for researchers, government officials, and organisations to participate and contribute innovative ideas, knowledge exchange and partnership building.

ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Jake Garman said that ECU is thrilled to host this special event in collaboration with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.

"This Conference marks a continuation of ECU’s dedication to nurturing our enduring relationship with the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan and our strong commitment to developing collaborative initiatives, comprehensive training programs, cutting-edge research endeavours, study tours, and the exchange of students and staff," Mr Garman said.

"These efforts are laying the foundation for a future of mutual growth and shared prosperity."

Call for abstracts

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Emerging Topics - Bridging Innovations between Australia and Bhutan will cover a wide range of themes including digital innovation for sustainable growth, leadership development and practical solutions, exploration and curiosity across boundaries, harnessing AI and big data for global impact, and preserving heritage amidst change.

Bhutanese Researchers or Researchers studying Bhutan are invited to submit 500-word abstracts before 8 August 2024.

Find out more about the Australia-Bhutan Conference.


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