The Federal Government is providing $3.3 million to support the training centre that will undertake industry-led research to transform Australia’s chemical manufacturing technologies and create new commercial products, such as medicines, improved paints and robust plastics.
Senator for Victoria James Paterson today launched the ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries at The University of Melbourne.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the new centre would help create more jobs in chemical industry, which already employed more than 60,000 people and was worth $38.6 billion.
“The training centre unites experts from universities and industry to undertake research that will create job opportunities for Australians,” Mr Tehan said.
“The centre will also focus on the professional development of early career researchers so we continue to develop the next generation of scientists and researchers that give industry in Australia the leading edge.”
Mr Paterson said the centre would help address the chemical industry’s need for highly-skilled STEM graduates who have academic training, as well as relevant industry skills and experience.
“The centre will mentor the next generation of research talent, giving early career researchers experience in conducting industry-focused research,” Mr Paterson said.
“The Government is supporting these centres so our young researchers have the opportunity to gain real world experience.”
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis said the new centre would significantly boost opportunities for early career STEM graduates, and build closer links between graduates and employers.
“The ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries provides an important bridge between University of Melbourne researchers, the community and STEM employers,” Professor Davis said.
“The new ARC Training Centre will create a framework for major employers of our STEM graduates to engage with our world-class teaching and research.
“We also believe it will provide opportunities to a diverse range of graduates, as we seek to continually increase female participation in STEM.”
The ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries will be led by The University of Melbourne, who will collaborate with The University of New South Wales and Swinburne University of Technology, and with participating organisations: Chemistry Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Duluxgroup (Australia); Qenos; PPG Industries; and the Trustee for DCS Technical Trust.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and postdoctoral training opportunities that are industry focused. For more information about the scheme, please visit the ARC website.
