We extend a warm invitation to esteemed participants to join us for an intellectually enriching Conference showcasing research linkages between Australia and Bhutan. Building upon the resounding success of the inaugural conference organized by the University of Sydney and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra in 2023, we are delighted to announce the continuation of this initiative. In partnership with the Royal Embassy of Bhutan, Edith Cowan University proudly hosts the second edition of this event.

The conference will span three days, with a post-conference session, offering a platform for showcasing groundbreaking research conducted by Bhutanese and Australian scholars in Australia. It will take place at the Joondalup Campus, Edith Cowan University, in Perth, Western Australia, from December 4th to 6th, 2024.

This conference reflects the dynamic landscape of contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by Bhutan as it navigates towards economic self-sustainability and the cultivation of a knowledge-based society. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse fields, the conference provides a platform for meaningful innovation, knowledge exchange, and partnership building.

Through interdisciplinary perspectives and shared insights, the conference aims to identify innovative solutions and actionable strategies that can contribute to Bhutan's development objectives. Furthermore, the conference serves as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral relations between Australia and Bhutan, promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Perth for this exciting event!

Jake Garman

Deputy Vice-Chancellor International

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Australia-Bhutan Research Conference 2024. As Deputy Vice Chancellor International of Edith Cowan University (ECU), I am thrilled that our university is hosting 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 endeavors, study tours, and the exchange of students and staff. These efforts are laying the foundation for a future of mutual growth and shared prosperity.

By facilitating the flow of ideas and expertise between our countries, we are not only enriching academic landscapes but also forging lifelong connections that will stand the test of time. This conference reflects the dynamic landscape of contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by Bhutan as it navigates towards economic self-sustainability and the cultivation of a knowledge-based society. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse fields, we provide a platform for meaningful innovation, knowledge exchange, and partnership building.

My thanks go to Ambassador Sonam Tobgay and his staff at the Embassy for allowing ECU to host this significant event. We look forward to the groundbreaking research presentations and the fruitful discussions that will emerge at the conference.

Thank you for joining us in this exciting endeavour. I look forward to welcoming you to Edith Cowan University and Perth.

The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in partnership with the Edith Cowan University is pleased to present the second edition of the conference titled “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Emerging Topics - Bridging Innovation between Australia and Bhutan” dedicated to Bhutanese scholars and scholarships on Bhutan in Australia. 

The first conference “Intersections of Culture, Climate, and Science: Innovations from Bhutanese research in Australia” was successfully hosted last December by the University of Sydney, in partnership with the Embassy. It was the first ever platform in Australia to showcase the ground-breaking research being undertaken by Bhutanese scholars in Australia and local scholars on Bhutan. Over two days, the sessions curated by the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ventured into the domains of Climate, Science, and Engineering and the vast realm of culture, delving into linguistics, media, Buddhist Studies, and beyond.

 As the preparations for the second conference begin, we encourage all Bhutanese and other relevant scholars to register and take this opportunity to connect with a wider community of like-minded scholars from around Australia.  Let me also take this opportunity to thank Edith Cowan University for offering to partner with the Embassy to host the conference at their beautiful campus in Joondalup this year. I sincerely look forward to meeting with you in Perth and learning about your commendable endeavors to build and share knowledge and enhance linkages between Australia and Bhutan.