In Summary

  • Swinburne signs new partnership agreement with PARC, a Xerox company
  • The partnership focuses on data science, data driven manufacturing systems and smart structures

Swinburne has signed a new partnership agreement with PARC, a Xerox company, to globalise the university’s strengths in data science, data driven manufacturing systems and smart structures. 

“This partnership demonstrates the university’s commitment to forge international relationships to extend the depth and scale of our research, allowing us to have even greater impact,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson, says.  

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Aleksandar Subic says PARC has significant experience in achieving commercially successful research outcomes derived from digital technologies. 

“PARC is an international leader in technology innovation. We are excited to work together in areas that have the potential to transform our industry and drive economic growth,” Professor Subic says. 

Research projects between Swinburne and PARC will focus on key areas including: 

  • Data science, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and cyber security
  • Smart materials and structures, embedded systems, and condition monitoring
  • Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing and design. 

“We’re excited to work with Swinburne to develop innovative programs in the areas that are impacting the growth of the IoT and industrial IoT,” PARC’s Director of Business Development Aki Ohashi, says.  

“PARC sits at the middle of commercial, government and university research around the world. With Swinburne’s focus on data science, we believe this partnership will be beneficial to both of us, and commercial markets as well.”

Joint innovation lab with Swinburne’s Data Science Institute

In the future, the partnership may involve establishing a joint lab within the Swinburne Data Science Institute with the capacity to work on commercial projects and translational opportunities in Australia in collaboration with PARC researchers. 

The Swinburne Data Science Institute, launched in February 2017, brings together Swinburne's world leading expertise in big data and data analytics. 

International placement opportunity for Swinburne PhD students

Swinburne Higher Degree by Research students will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and placements at PARC’s facility in Palo Alto, California. 

This agreement with PARC follows the announcement of a five-year collaboration with the University of Stuttgart in Germany, which will see the two universities combine expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials supported by a Joint PhD program in collaboration with industry.