University re-launches Technology Management Centre

The University of Queensland's Technology Management Centre has been re-established as a joint venture between the University and its technology transfer company UniQuest Limited.

The chairman of the new Centre's Advisory Board, Professor Trevor Grigg, said the revitalised Centre was recruiting new staff and preparing new teaching materials via the Internet.

"We plan to involve industry people wherever possible, as well as experts from different sections of the University to complement the Centre's core staff," he said.

Founded in 1989, the centre offers postgraduate programs in technology management subjects in Australia and overseas. It has produced more than 200 postgraduates with masters, diplomas and certificate degrees. The Centre also conducts specialised short courses in a variety of technology management subjects designed to improve business performance.

Professor Grigg said the Centre was developing flexible delivery options for students from first semester 1999. The Centre runs award courses (masters, PhDs and single subjects at undergraduate level level) and professional courses for industry. Students studying the bachelor of engineering are also able to enrol in a combined degree course to complete both their undergraduate degree and a masters of technology management within five years.

Courses will be offered in Australia and overseas (centred in Hong Kong), with students able to access a substantial part of masters courses via distance learning/Internet.

UniQuest's managing director Dr David Evans said students would have opportunities to gain practical experience working with new spin off companies being established by UniQuest.

Dr Evans said the Centre would also undertake consulting and research work for Australian and international firms. Its consultancy clients currently include the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AUSAID); Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

The Centre's Advisory Board includes industry and government representatives as well as University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paul Greenfield; University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Trevor Grigg; Executive Dean of the University's Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture Faculty Professor Andrew Lister; UniQuest's managing director Dr David Evans; and others. Director of the Centre will be head of the University's Chemical Engineering Department Professor Victor Rudolph with Associate Professor Shantha Liyanage as the deputy director.

Further details can be found on the Web page http://www.techman.uq.edu.au

Media contact: Professor Grigg telephone 07 3365 7366.