Professor Geetha Balakrishnan's call for collaborative research in the age of curiosity

Professor Geetha Balakrishnan, a renowned superconductivity and magnetism physicist at the University of Warwick, isn't one for idle curiosity. Her expertise lies in producing high-quality single crystals of superconductors and magnetic materials, delving into the mysteries of these exotic materials that appear to defy the laws of physics. Yet, her recent trip to Monash University in Melbourne wasn't just about her research – it reflected her standing as a highly sought-after collaborator in her field and a testament to the transformative power of the Monash Warwick Alliance.


With a publication list exceeding 364 papers and funded research grants from prestigious institutions like the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Professor Balakrishnan, the Chair of the Commission for Crystal Growth and Characterization of Materials, in the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), is a magnet for collaboration. Over 50 research collaborators currently vie for her expertise and insights, but the unique opportunities and resources offered by the Alliance drew her to Monash.


What began as a routine attendance at the International Union of Crystallography conference took an unexpected turn. Balakrishnan saw an opportunity to tap into a new network of expertise. She embarked on a journey beyond the conference halls, venturing into the heart of Monash's research landscape and discovering the Monash Technology Precinct, a world-class city centre unlike any other, where globally connected change-makers, innovators and enterprises converge.


Her first point of contact was Professor Neil Cameron, a joint appointee at Monash and Warwick. This initial connection sparked a chain reaction, leading Balakrishnan to meet ARC Laureate Fellow in the School of Physics at Monash University, Professor Michael Fuhrer and Professor Joanne Etheridge, Director of the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy and Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Through these interactions, Balakrishnan toured labs, witnessed cutting-edge equipment, and exchanged ideas, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.


One such collaboration, born from this serendipitous encounter, is a joint project with former Warwick student Dr Oliver Clark, now a Research Fellow at Monash University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. The proposed project aims to explore and control the electronic properties of 2D metals by building custom heterostructures, simply envisioned as tiny metal building blocks stacked in unique ways to create intricate "circuits" with exciting possibilities. This union could combine the expertise in growing high-quality materials at Warwick University with the exceptional knowledge in constructing devices at Monash University. This project could contribute to developing futuristic super-fast phone chips, tiny medical sensors, or even technologies that mimic the human brain! It's like tinkering with the building blocks of electricity, opening doors to unimaginable gadgets that will positively change how we live. This partnership showcases the true essence of the Alliance – fostering connections that ensure that research goes beyond theoretical potential but pushes the boundaries of technology that wouldn't be possible in isolation.


As Balakrishnan points out, international collaborations are crucial for training the next generation of researchers. Her lab regularly hosts visiting researchers and students from around the world, and she is currently hosting students from Brazil and Denmark, eager to learn and contribute. The Alliance can provide a platform for such exchanges, nurturing young minds and equipping them with the skills and networks to navigate the global scientific landscape.


Balakrishnan's experience is a beacon for researchers across both universities. Her advice is straightforward: collaboration thrives on organic connections, not forced partnerships. Supervisors play a crucial role in identifying potential synergies and laying the groundwork for fruitful collaborations. And for those hesitant to leap, Balakrishnan offers a compelling reminder: "Gone are the days when you can just sit in a room or a lab and just work on your own and produce a paper.” The future of research lies in collaboration, and the Monash Warwick Alliance provides an excellent opportunity to do just that.


Next time you seek a catalyst for academic breakthroughs, reach out to the Monash Warwick Alliance as a bridge between continents and an opportunity to power your academic pursuits in a world driven by curiosity. Your journey might take an unexpected turn, guided by the invisible hand of the Alliance, leading you to new collaborators and groundbreaking discoveries.

Uncover more about the Monash Warwick Alliance and the possibilities it can provide for your academic journey here.