USQ welcomes visit from Federal Senator

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr met with USQ researchers last week to look at how the University is contributing to Australia’s future research needs.

During his visit, Senator Carr gave his full commitment to developing research excellence in Australian universities, and to opening up collaborative research strengths between the higher education sector, industry and government.

In his discussions with Senator Carr, USQ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baker, provided the Minister with an overview of USQ’s current programs that are value adding to research strengths in the areas of innovation.

While at USQ, Senator Carr spoke with staff and students, and attended a presentation on the Australian Digital Futures Institute and the Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development.

'It's a great pleasure to talk to PhD students and young researchers who are so enthusiastic and have so much to offer this community,' Senator Carr said.

'It proves the point that universities have a very important role in building prosperity. Modern industry needs very talented people.'

Professor Baker said that USQ was privileged to have Senator Carr visit and to have input into the national research agenda which had the potential of bringing significant benefits to the Darling Downs, particularly in the areas of engineering, science, business and the environment.

Professor Baker said the Senator was interested to hear about USQ’s current research projects and of the collaborative efforts being made with industries to fast track research initiatives that will benefit the country.

'In our meeting Senator Carr did say that more could be done to support regional research activities and that it was his Government’s priority to look at how this could be achieved.'

He said that research being undertaken by regional universities not only helped attract high profile academics to work in research centres but also gave communities access to projects that could create millions of dollars in employment and infrastructure.

Director of USQ’s Centre for Sustainable Business, Professor John Cole, outlined USQ’s research into sustainability and development, particularly in the areas of farming, regional development, corporate reporting and organisational innovation in dealing with climate change.

Dr Shirley Reushle also presented on the University’s Australian Digital Futures Institute and its focus on the use of digital technologies, and the learner experience, as well as trialling new and emerging technologies through physical and virtual spaces.

USQ was the only Queensland university Senator Carr visited.

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977