Swinburne Uni Launches Advanced Technologies Centre

9 Dec 11

A $140 million state of the art advanced manufacturing teaching and research facility at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne will be a major boost to Australia’s manufacturing and materials industry.

The new Advanced Technologies Centre – funded by the Gillard Labor Government through the Education Investment Fund (EIF) – will strengthen Swinburne’s focus on advanced materials and manufacturing.

The Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr today said the centre will deliver important economic and social benefits for Victorians, and all Australians.

“This centre will expand the university’s capacity to produce job-ready graduates for the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies,” Senator Carr said.

“It will forge closer links between industry and research through Swinburne’s strong network of manufacturing scientists and engineers. It will develop cutting edge technologies and help keep Australian manufacturing industries among the most competitive, innovative and capable in the world.”

Senator David Feeney highlighted the importance of the centre for Victoria.

“Victoria already has strong advanced manufacturing capabilities – from cars to clothes. This centre will enable the university and the Victorian industry sector to share resources and knowledge, and build upon their expertise,” Senator Feeney said.

The Advanced Technologies Centre was built with the assistance of over $11 million in Commonwealth support, the majority funded through the Education Investment Fund (EIF).

Since 2008, the EIF has awarded more than $4 billion nationally to transform vocational education and training, higher education and research infrastructure.

Swinburne University of Technology also received an additional $40 million in funding through Round 3 of the EIF in 2010 for the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, to be built alongside the Advanced Technologies Centre.

For more information on EIF, visit www.eif.deewr.gov.au.