Work has started on a 24/7 research hub for Curtin’s health sciences postgraduates.
Due to open in January 2011, the $2.5 million facility is part of a refurbishment that will provide state-of-the-art facilities in a single spot.
Jan Piek, Director of Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Health Sciences, said the new Health Sciences Graduate Research Hub would enhance the research experience of postgraduate students.
The hub will include 127 workstations for full-time and part-time students, video conferencing facilities, a wireless network, seminar and interview rooms, photocopying and printing services, personal lockers and data storage, a common room and an outdoor barbeque area.
“We’ve tried to create a unique research area for our students where they have access to everything they need all in one central location,” Professor Piek said.
“By consulting with our current research students, we have tried to ensure we considered all their requirements, including providing a secure, safe and sound-proof environment.”
PhD student Mesheil Alalyani said that the centre would facilitate networking because research students would be able to brainstorm with each other around the clock.
“They will … be able to drop into the centre 24/7, which will be a real advantage,” Mr Alalyani said.
“Health science students will have absolutely everything they need at this new site including access to a statistician, IT support and a librarian.”
The hub will be located at Technology Park, a few minutes away from Curtin’s main Campus in Bentley.
Health Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Jill Downie, said the project supported the University’s vision to be a world-class teaching and research institution.
“Groundbreaking research rarely occurs in isolation,” Professor Downie said.
“Our new research hub provides superb facilities that will enable our research students to interact with each other and academic researchers, providing the opportunity for collaborative interdisciplinary endeavours that inspire minds and lead to innovation.”
The hub will replicate the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute’s vision to integrate health research, teaching and practice into an interdisciplinary team-based approach.
