Pantnagar/Wagga Wagga:
G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, in collaboration with Charles Sturt University (CSU), Australia, has announced a Dual Doctoral Degree Programme (DDP) with fellowship support for eligible PhD scholars. The programme aims to strengthen international research collaboration and provide global exposure to Indian agricultural researchers.
The dual doctoral programme is open to currently enrolled full-time PhD students of GBPUAT who are in their second year of doctoral studies. Selected candidates will be jointly supervised by faculty members from both GBPUAT and CSU and will receive two separate PhD degree certificates for a single thesis, clearly mentioning the collaborative nature of the program.
International Research Exposure in Australia
Under this program, scholars will spend up to two years at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, while remaining concurrently enrolled at GBPUAT. The final PhD thesis, written in English, will be evaluated by both institutions, ensuring adherence to international research standards.
High-Impact Research Areas
The programme focuses on cutting-edge research topics relevant to agriculture, livestock, biotechnology, and sustainability. Key areas include:
- Enhancing reproductive efficiency in beef cattle using macroalgal supplements
- Uterine microbiome modulation for improved cattle breeding success
- Taxonomic resolution of entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium and Beauveria spp.)
- Microbial communities associated with weeds in broadacre crops
- Nanotechnology-enabled microbial biofertilizers
- Advanced seed coating technologies using nanomaterials
Attractive Fellowship and Fee Support
During the period of stay in Australia, selected scholars will receive a CSU-funded fellowship of AUD 35,000 per annum (pro rata) for up to two years. Additionally, CSU will provide a full tuition fee waiver during the onshore period. However, expenses such as travel, accommodation, health insurance, and living costs will be borne by the candidates.
Eligibility and Selection
Applicants must have:
- A completed Master’s degree with a minimum OGPA of 7.0/10
- At least 7.5 OGPA in the first year of PhD
- Cleared all pre-thesis and synopsis requirements
- A strong research track record with publications or patents
- Clearly defined research milestones to be achieved at CSU
Selection will involve scrutiny by GBPUAT followed by final approval from Charles Sturt University.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates must submit hard and soft copies of the application through proper channels to the Director, International Affairs, GBPUAT, Pantnagar.
đź“… Last date for submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI): 28 February 2026
Strengthening Global Agricultural Research
This dual doctoral initiative marks a significant step towards internationalizing agricultural research, promoting advanced interdisciplinary studies, and building globally competent researchers capable of addressing complex agricultural and environmental challenges.
Author
Vanshika Gupta is a second-year research scholar in Agricultural Communication at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. A UGC-NET qualifier, she actively engages in academic trainings and research activities, with interests in interdisciplinary collaboration and literary pursuits, reflecting a balanced blend of scholarly rigor and creative expression.
