Research powerhouse launched at Curtin

Western Australia’s Curtin University of Technology’s new $116 million Resources and Chemistry Precinct was opened by Federal Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson and Premier Colin Barnett.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket, said the precinct had more than 200 research, teaching and support staff from Curtin’s Department of Chemistry and the State Government’s ChemCentre.

“One of the precinct’s core goals is to bring together industry, government and academia,” she said.

“Through its role as a hub of collaborative research and education, the Precinct is the perfect foundation for high-impact and industry-relevant research, producing world-class graduates for the resources and chemistry sectors.”

The precinct is one of the largest centres of resources, energy and chemistry research and education in the southern hemisphere. With 100 laboratories, including 10 specially designed for teaching, the Precinct provides facilities for a diverse range of research, including work on hydrometallurgy, water quality testing and treatment, nanotechnology, corrosion research, forensic science and biotechnology.

BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina president, Julius Matthys said the precinct is supported by one of the world’s largest diversified mining company, BHP Billiton.

“We believe that this collaboration between industry and academia will improve the scientific skills base that the resources industry depends on,” he said.

“Our $5 million contribution to the Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct will help develop the next generation of skilled Western Australians and advance research in the industry. We are proud to be investing in education in Western Australia.”

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