To strengthen the research partnership between Bhutan and Australia, the third Australia-Bhutan Research Conference commenced today in Thimphu. The conference is expected to foster deeper knowledge exchange and highlight how collaborative research can address pressing national and global challenges.
More than 360 individuals, including researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from the two countries, are participating in the conference.
They will present around 70 research presentations, poster sessions, fireside conversations, and thematic activities covering areas such as happiness and well-being, climate change, higher education, technology, public policy, leadership, and health-focused digital innovations.
This year’s edition, themed “Bridging Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy: Harnessing the Power of Research”, is also a special tribute to honour the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
“It provides a platform for researchers and scholars to share knowledge, new ideas, and new insights. We find that there is a wide gap between research and policy making, between research and innovation, between research and business, and between research and community development. So, as a university, we need to try and find ways to bridge that gap between what we find through research and actual policy making,” said Chewang Rinzin, Vice Chancellor, Royal University of Bhutan.
Today’s sessions featured key presentations on cybersecurity and responsible digital engagement, where experts recommended regular cybersecurity awareness programmes in schools.
Another highlight was on strengthening Bhutan’s hydropower security, an area of strategic interest for both Bhutan and Australia.
“There is such a wide variety of areas for research that are the focus of the conference, a lot of different thematic areas. Some of them include hydropower, which is important for Bhutan. We’ve a paper examining medical and medical-related technologies, as well as governance. And it’s a great opportunity for both Australia and Bhutan to focus on what we can learn from each other,” said Carly Partridge, Minister Counsellor, Australian High Commission, Delhi.
The conference is organised in partnership with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra and supported by the Australian Government.
The conference, previously held in Sydney and Perth, is being hosted in Bhutan for the first time, setting the stage for deeper collaboration, stronger academic networks, and a renewed commitment to evidence-based policy and innovation.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Phub Gyem
