"Smart" student projects on show at UQ

Innovative student ideas and research projects will be on display for members of the community, school groups and industry representatives at The University of Queensland’s 2009 ITEE Innovation Expo on Thursday October 22.

Over 130 designs from UQ’s leading electrical engineering, multimedia design and information technology students will be showcased including “smart” appliances, unmanned aerial vehicles and vision tests based on brainwaves.

The ITEE Innovation Expo is an initiative of UQ’s School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and will take place between 1pm and 5pm at Sir James Foots Building (47A) and other venues at the UQ St Lucia campus.

Head of the School of ITEE, Professor Paul Bailes, said the students’ designs had the potential to shape the future of technology.

“The types of projects on display at the Innovation Expo reflect the influence of technology in most aspects of our lives and drives innovations that make a positive different to the world,” Professor Bailes said.

“The skills demonstrated here can be applied to everything from the latest aerospace developments to iPhone apps and also underpins e-commerce, health innovations, and sustainable energy issues.

“Not only will the students have a chance to communicate and demonstrate their projects at the Expo, but the public has a unique opportunity to meet UQ’s innovators of the future and discover some of the products they could be using in the years to come.”

Prizes will be awarded in many different areas including best software project, most imaginative demonstration of a fourth-year thesis project, best industry project and best piece of working electronics hardware.

Professor Bailes said those attending the event would include sponsors, industry representatives and school students from South-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Entry is free and visitors can register at the foyer located on level two of Sir James Foots Building (47A).

Visit http://innovexpo.itee.uq.edu.au/2009/ for more information and to download the exhibit guide to help plan your day.

Media: Associate Professor Steve Wilson from the School of ITEE (07 3365 4449, wilson@itee.uq.edu.au) or Alice Walker from the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (07 3346 7696, a.walker1@uq.edu.au)