A PhD student from India is conducting groundbreaking research with Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering after being selected as recipient of the esteemed Australian Government funded Maitri Scholars Program.
Rohith Prakash is the recipient of the Australian Government funded Maitri Scholars Program. Image Credit: Monash University
Rohith Prakash, who is originally from Chennai, will focus on the safe transport and storage of liquid hydrogen, with particular attention on the sloshing effects in tanks and the impacts on boil-off rates.
Liquid hydrogen, a cryogenic fuel stored at -253 °C, is prone to boil-off during transport, making its management critical. It holds potential as an energy carrier for export markets, and is seen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, offering a lightweight fuel with high energy density that is suitable for applications like decarbonizing aviation.
The Maitri Scholars Program is a critical component of the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) which aims to build academic excellence and research collaboration between Australia and India. This year the Australian Government announced funding of approximately $2.2 million for the scholarships that cover advanced manufacturing, critical technology, critical minerals, and clean energy solutions.
Mr Prakash will be supervised by Dr Tom Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Monash University, who will also lead the project. Dr Hughes played a pivotal role in winning the Maitri Scholars grant. The scholarship is supported by the Department of Civil Engineering, which is providing additional funding to support the research project of the student.
“Sloshing, and the boil-off losses during transportation, are a significant concern for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of liquid hydrogen as a clean energy carrier,” said Dr Hughes.
“Hydrogen is a good solution for an industry such as aviation as you need to bring the energy source with you. The weight of the energy solution becomes important, and that’s where liquid hydrogen has some big advantages.”
The research is expected to contribute to both Australian and Indian efforts in the renewable energy sector, aligning with the goals of the Green Hydrogen Taskforce established by both countries. It will also contribute to India's National Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce five million metric tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2030.
Mr Prakash, who previously studied at RMIT University in Melbourne, said his selection on the Maitri Scholars Program shows the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“I’m proud to represent the Indian diaspora in my beloved second home, Australia. I feel like it was my destiny to move back here and study at Monash University,” said Mr Prakash.
“I’m honored to be given this opportunity and work closely with Dr Hughes. This work will play an important step to promoting green energy solutions as an alternative to using fossil fuels.”
Mr Prakash’s selection is part of a broader initiative to strengthen educational and economic ties between Australia and India. The program is designed to attract top Indian students to pursue Masters (by research) or PhD degrees in STEM-related fields at leading Australian universities.
The Centre for Australia-India Relations will oversee the Maitri Scholars Program, promoting policy dialogue, building business literacy, engaging the Indian diaspora, and deepening cultural partnerships. These strategic pillars aim to update Australians' appreciation of the bilateral relationship, harness economic opportunities, and foster stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.