Research boost builds SA capability
UniSA
is launching an exciting phase of research and innovation, boosted by
more than $15 million invested by the State Government.
The funding includes $8 million towards establishing the Mawson Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, a further $4.7 million to start the Centre for Excellence in Defence Industry Systems Capability and $2.5 million for the Ian Wark Research Institute to set up a headquarters for the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute.
The announcement comes as UniSA also prepares to use its expertise to help South Australian companies fulfil the air warfare destroyer contract won by SA shipbuilding firm ASC.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley said it had been rewarding to work with the State Government and industry to build the important alliances that underpin these research institutes in SA.
“The Government’s approach is visionary because it is investing in areas where we are strong and innovative and in industries that promise long term economic growth for South Australia,” she said.
The Mawson Institute will build on the high level of research already happening at the University’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. The new institute, at Mawson Lakes, will work closely with industry to develop innovative technologies that will support manufacturing, and the automotive and defence industries.
Professor of Strategic Manufacturing Leadership Ross Bensley has been instrumental in developing the institute’s research programs, which fall into four categories: transformational and virtual engineering, new materials for manufacturing industry, new products and emerging industries and sustainability in manufacturing and products.
UniSA’s Systems Engineering and Evaluation Centre (SEEC) will be a lead player in the new Centre for Excellence in Defence Industry Systems Capability (CEDISC), which will also be based in the Mawson Lakes technology precinct.
The DSTO Professor of Systems Engineering at SEEC, Stephen Cook, said the new centre aimed to up-skill industry engineers so they can undertake the complex design and integration tasks associated with large scale projects, like the air warfare destroyer contract. He went on to say that in addition to its educational role, CEDISC would also provide a range of contract research and consulting services to support its mission.
“The new centre will have its heart in SA and follows the successful model pioneered by SEEC that provides research services, coursework and consultancy across the nation,” he said. “We are proud to be involved in this initiative, which will have a vital role in successful defence project outcomes. There is a rosy future for highly qualified systems engineers and UniSA has recognised the demand for these skills and responded with an exciting range of postgraduate educational opportunities.”
UniSA’s Ian Wark Research Institute will use the $2.5 million in State Government funding to set up a headquarters for the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute at Mawson Lakes.
The institute, led by Professor John Ralston, will conduct research into major technical challenges facing the global mining industry over the next 25 years.
It is made up of three ARC Special Research Centres at UniSA, the University of Melbourne and the University of Newcastle and one of the world’s best engineering centres at the University of Queensland.
The Wark Centre Manager Dr Terry Wilks said the funding would provide for vital establishment costs, such as laboratory refurbishments and equipment.
The institute’s partners include BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Ltd, Anglo Platinum Ltd and other companies which have already committed $7.5 million to the institute through AMIRA International.