High tech and a degree focussed on human behaviour at UQ Ipswich

One of Australia's major aerospace companies, Boeing Australia Limited has donated $5000 for scholarships in Behavioural Studies at UQ Ipswich.

Behavioural Studies is the most recent program to be offered at The University of Queensland's Ipswich campus, and focuses on a range of subjects including World of Work; Youth and Society; and Crime, Corrections and Justice.

Boeing Australia's General Manager of Aerospace Support, Colin Giles, said the scholarship donation demonstrated the strength of Boeing's relationship with The University of Queensland.

"One of the reasons why we moved our headquarters to Queensland was the University's willingness to partner with us, and we were of course familiar with its expertise in systems and software engineering," Mr Giles said.

"Boeing Australia also places great emphasis on the overall development of its employees, for example, in areas such as Leadership, so our relationship with the University should extend into Human Behaviour Studies. The scholarship donation is an indication of our interest in the program."

Boeing has been involved in the Australian aerospace and defence businesses for 64 years and currently has 1,900 employees at sites throughout the country. Boeing Australia Limited is a high technology aerospace company specialising in design, development, installation and support of key defence systems; and the manufacture of complex aerostructure components for the world's leading aircraft companies.

UQ Ipswich Behavioural Studies Program Director Dr Sylvie Tourigny thanked Boeing Australia for its vision and generosity.

"We are grateful that Boeing Australia appreciates that in high-tech, as in all areas, human behaviour is the essence of a successful workplace," Dr Tourigny said.

"And I would like particularly to thank Mr Giles. He is not only a very active member of the degree's Industry Reference Group, but he is also always available for the kinds of informal consultations that are so important in creating a just-on-time degree that provides students with essential skills and knowledge."

The $5000 donation was handed over to the chair of Friends of UQ Ipswich, Hugh Bartholomeusz, at a fundraising dinner at the Ipswich campus.

Due to Dr. Tourigny's overseas business travel, enquiries should be addressed to the Deputy Director, Dr. Lesley Jolly (tel. 3381 1506 or email L.Jolly@mailbox.uq.edu.au) or Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 3365 1088.