Media Release
October 14 2008
International research centre wins key government funding
A
total of $10 million has been pledged by State and Federal Governments
to provide added impetus to the foundation and start up of Australia’s
latest centre of excellence, the International Centre for Muslim and
non-Muslim Understanding at the University of South Australia.
The Centre’s research will focus on the root causes of embedded prejudice from a socio-cultural perspective.
Welcoming the announcement, UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Hoj said the generous support would ensure new Centre would be operational more quickly.
“With this significant Government support locally and nationally, we will be able to confidently begin recruiting academic staff who have international prominence in this important research field,” Prof Høj said.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, today announced federal Government funding would be made available for the Centre in two instalments of $3.5 million.
Speaking at the launch this morning, Premier Mike Rann pledged a further $3 million from South Australian Government funds.
Professor Hoj said the funding announcement and the broad support given to the concept of the new research centre by respected international figures such as Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, would build further enthusiasm and interest in supporting the Centre and its invaluable research objectives.
“The initiative, inspiration and influence of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his genuine personal passion for making the Centre a focus for peace and conciliation across cultures has given the venture great momentum and solid foundations.
“His contribution continues to be inspirational and we look forward
to working with him through the Centre to make a contribution to a more
peaceful world,” he said.
Media contact
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Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673
email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au