December 2011 - Issue #14
Partnerships drive innovation
Introduction by Professor Linda Kristjanson
View articles in related topics: Industry Collaboration, Social Inclusion, Health & Medical
Welcome to Swinburne. This issue provides an insight into how our research and education is driving innovation and contributing to improving lives, the environment and the economy.
You will discover how our researchers are leveraging the opportunities of the internet to improve the quality of life of people with anxiety disorders and residents of remote Indigenous communities.
The strength and diversity of our partnerships feature in many of the articles, highlighting the value we share with our partners in government and industry: access to new knowledge, research expertise and infrastructure.
Swinburne’s knowledge transfer in action is on display in the Home Internet for Remote Indigenous Communities program; and through our collaboration with the global aerospace corporation, Boeing, in the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AusAMRC).
Our partnership with one of the world’s leading innovation research and education centres, Aalto University’s Design Factory in Finland, has enabled Swinburne to establish Australia’s first Design Factory. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to bring together the research and innovation challenges of our business partners with the talent and passion of our design, ICT, and engineering postgraduate students and researchers.
Last month we launched Swinburne Online, a partnership with that quintessentially modern Australian company SEEK, to provide online education opportunities for working Australians. Drawing on leading research and online education expertise, the programs will provide the engaging high-quality education experience for which Swinburne is renowned.
The $140 million Advanced Technologies Centre, to be officially opened this month by the federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, is providing students, researchers and industry partners with access to cutting-edge resources, some of Australia’s most specialised research equipment and facilities, such as the Smart Structures Laboratory, the only one of its kind in Australia. This facility is the focus for a team of world-leading researchers brought together to work with industry and government to advance the sustainability of Australia’s buildings and infrastructure.
Similarly, the $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Centre, now under construction at our Hawthorn campus and due for completion in 2013, will be a focal point for world-class research, innovative education and industry training that will play an important role in shaping the future of Australia’s manufacturing sector.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Swinburne Magazine, and I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities to engage with Swinburne. Best wishes for a safe and happy festive season.
Professor Linda Kristjanson
Vice-Chancellor and President
