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The University of Western Australian congratulates the Prime Minister on today’s announcement of the National Innovation and Science Agenda and is committed to working with the Federal Government to turn the plan into reality.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the $1.1bn package over four years for national-scale research reflected the University’s desire to encourage and support people with innovative ideas to pursue them.

“As the Prime Minister has noted, the mining boom has come and gone and now it’s time to have a boom led by ideas,” Professor Johnson said.

“Our universities have a fine record in partnering with business, industry and entrepreneurs to help bring new ideas and technologies to market, and in doing so, helping drive productivity and economic growth.

“Universities understand we have an important role to play in helping our nation unlock its full innovative potential. Our university campuses are hotbeds of new ideas and people filled with exciting ideas and creativity.”

Professor Johnson said since 2008, UWA had partnered with more than 2,500 companies, published research papers with 491 industry co-authors, and has secured 112 research funding grants with industry.

“These are just some examples of our university working with industry to support an innovative economy,” he said.

“However, we know we can do more, which is why we are fostering a renewed emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and industry engagement under the banner of the new UWA Innovation Quarter, or UWA IQ.

“IQ aims to grow innovation and industry engagement at a place where bright ideas are being made every minute of every day, and to translate them into commercial reality.”

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)   (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716