The Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, announced the launch of a new initiative that will see up to 200 research students working on industry-focused projects during a speech at Curtin University’s Research and Chemistry Precinct.
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Watch Senator Kim Carr’s speech at Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct
Senator Carr announced the new initiative, the Clean 21 industrial PhD awards, after conducting a tour of the precinct.
The initiative is one of the priorities in Labor’s Powering Ideas innovation agenda that will see research students working on projects with an emphasis on developing green industries.
The innovation agenda is part of the Gillard Labor Government’s aims to pursue closer collaboration between researchers and industry.
Senator Carr praised the University’s successful relationship with government and industry that resulted in the Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct. He believes that Australia has made a lot of progress in breaking down the barriers to collaboration, but that more work needs to be done.
‘Institutions like Curtin University will be encouraged to strengthen ties with local industry to ensure we have the best prepared graduates for the innovation economy of tomorrow.’
‘Investments in science and research are investments in Australia’s future.’
Local Federal Labor candidate for Swan, Tim Hammond, accompanied Senator Carr and emphasised the benefit to Curtin.
‘The opportunity to work in real environments on real problems is going to be attractive to so many PhD students, especially at a university with a strong industry focus like Curtin.’
‘Curtin’s track record of collaboration with industry is outstanding, so it is well placed to make the most of a program like this.’
