Kim Carr launches ATC

Senator Kim Carr, the then Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research formally launched Swinburne University of Technology’s architecturally striking ‘see-through’ Advanced Technologies Centre (ATC) last week.

Positioned to showcase the university to the community, the ATC is Swinburne’s new ‘front door’ on Burwood Road and, built at a cost of $140 million, represents the single largest investment in the university’s 100-year history.

Researchers from a mix of disciplines moved into the ATC earlier this year and are conducting much of their work behind transparent walls – an approach taken to ensure that the university’s intensely technological endeavours are on show and not hidden in a back lot. 

Senator Carr said the centre would help build links between industry and research and deliver important economic and social benefits for Victorians, and all Australians.

“Facilities like this play a critical role in developing and delivering cutting edge technologies and building a highly skilled workforce to keep Australian manufacturing industries the most competitive, innovative and capable in the world,” he said.  

The ATC will facilitate leading research into manufacturing, high temperature processing, neurosciences, nano- and micro-fabrication, nanophotonics, product design engineering, robotics and mechatronics, microscopy and biotechnology. 

The building’s street frontage is dominated by a massive Smart Structures Laboratory that houses equipment that can apply extreme loads to buildings, allowing scientists and engineers to test the construction materials of the future.

Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson said that the ATC invited the public to gaze in and watch Swinburne researchers come up with innovative solutions to real world problems. 

During the launch, Professor Kristjanson delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of research investment in Australia.

“The ATC is the first stage of the university’s $250 million investment in new research infrastructure, continuing Swinburne’s long-standing commitment to the current and emerging technology needs of industry and society.

“Every research group within its walls is on a journey of discovery. Each has the potential to have a major impact on our lives - our health, mental well-being, the sustainability of our power supply, buildings, transport and waste management,” she said.

The ATC was built with assistance from the federal government, via a $7.6 million grant under the Education Investment Fund. Swinburne has since received a further $40 million in funding through the EIF, to go towards construction of a $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC). The AMC, to be completed in 2013, will be built alongside the ATC.

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