University of Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney
05/02/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2022 21:11
Western Sydney University commits to the future of STEM in Western Sydney
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO; Professor Kate Stevens, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEM; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Enterprise and International, Professor Deborah Sweeney; the Hon Alister Henskens, NSW Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology; and the Hon Geoff Lee, NSW Minister for Corrections and Member for Parramatta.
Western Sydney University has launched a new strategy that will transform STEM learning, research and innovation in Western Sydney over the next decade.
The Optimising the future: STEM Decadal Plan 2022-2031 was recently launched at the University's new, world-class Westmead Innovation Quarter (IQ) - a $350 million health research and commercial precinct.
The University welcomed the Hon Alister Henskens, NSW Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, who toured IQ as part of the launch.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO said as an anchor institution for the region, the University was proud to take a leadership role in fostering STEM capabilities and excellence.
"Western Sydney University will play a pivotal role in leading STEM innovation across education, research and development to future-proof Western Sydney," said Professor Glover.
"Our decadal strategy will draw on the University's significant research and engagement strengths, including in neuromorphic and biomedical engineering, agriculture and sustainability."
Optimising the future will see the University increase its collaborations with industry, community and government to further develop solutions in the areas of health, food security, cybersecurity, environmental health, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and urban transformation.
It will also deliver enhanced pathways for the people of Western Sydney to access high-quality STEM education and guide the realisation of the University's future Centre of Excellence in Human-Machine Systems, Tech Jobs Accelerator and Agri-Tech Hub.
Minister Henskens welcomed the decadal strategy and Western Sydney University's push to enhance collaboration with industry.
"It is important that we have more students engaged with STEM, to ensure NSW is well placed to tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges facing our state," Mr Henskens said.
"This strategy is strongly aligned with the priorities of the NSW Government as we continue to strengthen our focus on building our capabilities in STEM to improve the wellbeing of our communities."
Professor Kate Stevens, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEM, said the University's longstanding partnerships and STEM-embedded learning facilities would help meet the region's growing needs.
"Western Sydney University is committed to supporting all students who wish to pursue a career in STEM, including empowering women and people from diverse communities to excel in their chosen areas," said Professor Stevens.
"Students will be able to utilise the University's high-tech facilities located throughout Western Sydney, upskilling to take advantage of opportunities within emerging industries, including those connected to the Aerotropolis."
For more information, download Optimising the future: STEM Decadal Plan 2022-2031here (opens in a new window).
ENDS
2 May 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas