UQ and Washington State U strengthen relationship

A delegation from Washington State University in Pullman, USA visited UQ this month to strengthen existing relationships and explore opportunities for joint research collaboration and possible funding.

The visit builds on a renewed agreement signed in 2009 by the state governments of Queensland and Washington for a further four years.

It enables Queensland businesses and research institutions to continue to collaborate with Washington-based partners, and accelerates market access.

UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said the state governments showed considerable acuity in forging their alliance.

“As the ensuing years have shown, there are many opportunities for collaboration in areas such as bio and nanotechnology, public health, biosecurity, bioenergy, agriculture and ICT," he said.

“Today, Queensland and Washington are fellow travellers in innovation, with complementary strengths in many areas of R&D that support our economies and communities.”

Professor Keniger said government leadership had been a key ingredient in the success of Queensland-Washington alliances.

Washington State University Provost and Executive Vice President Dr Warwick Bayly led the delegation, which visited UQ on August 1 and 2.

UQ hosted a joint workshop involving Washington State University, the Queensland Government, the Queensland University of Technology, and commercialization specialists from the three universities.

The workshop included presentations on funding opportunities.

Topics for discussion included technology transfer/commercialisation, plant sciences, bioenergy/bioproducts, water resources/management, and nanotechnology/nanosciences.



UQ hosted also dinner with attendees including the Queensland Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade, Andrew Fraser.

Media: Jan King 0413 601 248