$100 million Resources and Chemistry Precinct to be major boost to science education

A $100 million state-of-the-art Resources and Chemistry Precinct at Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia will focus attention on the importance of science and engineering and spark renewed interest in mathematics, science and technology.

The Precinct, launched today by the State Premier, The Honourable Alan Carpenter, will provide sophisticated facilities for education and research in resources and chemistry, and foster strong partnerships between key government agencies, and academic and industry bodies.

It already has the support of the Chemistry Centre (WA), the State’s premier analytical chemistry facility, and BHP Billiton, the world’s largest diversified resources company. The Centre will relocate to the Precinct site and BHP Billiton is providing $5 million in support.

“Science education is crucial to sustaining and developing economic growth, but not enough students are being attracted to relevant areas,” said Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket.

“The professionals at the Precinct will provide students with numerous successful role models, which coupled with the development’s vibrant international research environment, will spark renewed student interest in mathematics, science and technology.”

Professor Hacket said the Precinct would up-skill graduates by exposing students to a range of science and engineering careers in many industries. Students would benefit from industry input into course content, project supervision by industry professionals, and opportunities for relevant work experience.

Through the BHP Billiton-Curtin alliance, the Precinct will also be committed to the development of strong regional links in chemistry and resources and other relevant education and research.

“Curtin and BHP Billiton have made a significant investment in education, research and training to underpin the future expansion of the resources industries,” Professor Hacket said.

“The Resources and Chemistry Precinct will be a powerful magnet to attract high calibre students, industry staff and researchers from around the world to Western Australia.”

The first stage of the development is expected to be operational by January 2009. For more information visit http://rcp.curtin.edu.au .

Note to Editor/COS: High resolution images from the launch and architect’s drawings of the Precinct are available for download at the website.

Contact:

Julia Nicol;

PR Manager;

Curtin;

Tel: +618-9266-7711; +61409-202-134;

Email: [email protected]

or

Ann Paterson;

Director;

PR and Publications;

Curtin;

+618-9266-2792; +61401-103-590;

Email: [email protected]

Source: Curtin University Of Technology

--Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--

• ข่าวCurtin University
• ข่าวo:asn
• ข่าวo:edu
• ข่าวen