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The University of Western Australia has announced a new partnership with peak industry body the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA in a bid to create new commercial opportunities for its research staff and provide local businesses with better access to its scientific expertise.

UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) Professor Kent Anderson said the move is part of a push to develop deeper links with industry under the Mutual Opportunities for Us (MO4U) campaign launched today.

“As the institution responsible for delivering the largest research output of all WA universities, UWA’s broach reach and depth of impact is already widely felt both across WA and the country,” Professor Anderson said.

“From solving complicated offshore engineering challenges for resource and energy projects, to building leadership and management capability, and finding better ways to feed the world, UWA is working on solutions and collaborating with industry is a crucial part of this.

“This new way of engaging with business is not only going to help our researchers with commercial outcomes for their ideas but will provide them with a better understanding of what business is looking for.”

Chief Operating Officer at CCI, Lindsay O’Sullivan, said the MO4U partnership would give its members the chance to expand industry-university networks and explore potential opportunities through a better understanding of how to tap into the vast knowledge base at UWA.

“We believe the partnership will allow us to generate more effective outcomes together than would be achieved if we worked separately,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“The future prosperity of this state depends on our ability to help successful businesses to keep innovating and growing and create new businesses.

“To do that we need to link the best and brightest minds with entrepreneurial and commercial endeavour,” he said.

It’s hoped that students will also benefit from the new partnership, with plans to provide future business placement and intern opportunities.

The MO4U business-engagement program is part of the broader UWA Innovation Quarter (UWA IQ) Campaign; a renewed focus at The University on driving entrepreneurship among its students, staff and community.

Caption: UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) Professor Kent Anderson and Chief Operating Officer at CCI, Lindsay O’Sullivan, put their signatures to the new agreement on the state-of-the-art giant 'Cruiser' pad at the UWA Futures Observatory

Media references

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