UQ embraces new technology push

The University of Queensland says the Queensland Government's decision to establish a $60 million Institute in Biomaterials and Nano Applications is further evidence the 'Smart State' is taking shape.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced at a biotechnology conference in San Diego yesterday that his government would establish a nanotechnology centre of excellence with $20 million of public funding.

The new Institute, which will create technologies by isolating individual atoms and molecules, involves a partnership with Queensland universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said the Institute represents one of two logical stages of development for the state's growing biotechnology sector.

'At The University of Queensland, we have the Nanotechnology and Biomaterials Centre headed by Associate Professor Matt Trau, a new centre of NanoMaterials headed by Professor Max Lu and of course our biotechnology flagship, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience,' Professor Hay said.

'The State Government initiative builds on the university's internationally recognised expertise, and it has applications across numerous disciplines including medicine, engineering, computing, environmental science and mining.'

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield, who is in San Diego with the Premier, said the announcement puts into perspective the recent news that Victoria will build its own $157 million synchrotron.

'A nationally-accessible synchrotron is an important high-tech research facility, but is merely one element in developing the ?Smart State,'' Professor Greenfield said.

'Creating centres of excellence like the Institute in Biomaterials and Nano Applications ensures the momentum built up over the past few years, continues.'

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088 or 0413 380012

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