Curtin University launches its ‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrations today with 1,500 staff across four campuses coming together via video-links to kick-start a year of activities.
‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrates the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened its doors to students in 1967 and evolved into Curtin University in 1987.
WAIT quickly established itself as an important contributor to education and research, locally, nationally and internationally and Curtin University has continued this trajectory, with the institution estimated to be ranked 10th in Australia and 211th in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the launch would include staff from the main campus in Bentley, the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie, Curtin Malaysia and Curtin Singapore.
“The dedication and commitment of our staff has contributed hugely to the University’s success, and with simultaneously hosted events at our local and international campuses it enables us to celebrate this significant milestone on a global-scale,” Professor Terry said.
“Innovation has been at the heart of WAIT and Curtin, and has driven our success in teaching and research, as well as in international rankings. ‘50 Years of Innovation’ not only showcases how far we have come, but how much we have to offer future students and the wider community.”
Today, Curtin is WA’s largest university with more than 58,000 students, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and law, humanities, health sciences including medicine, resources, engineering and related sciences.
Curtin will be hosting a range of celebrations throughout the year including international alumni events and a gala dinner in August.
The ‘50 Years of Innovation’ launch will feature a range of entertainment including a performance by Indigenous artist Gina Williams. Staff also formed a giant 5-0 with the moment videoed using a drone and photographed.
For further information on ‘50 Years of Innovation’ visit http://50years.curtin.edu.au
