General News
5 July, 2022
New Hub Boosts Regional Science And Innovation
THE Palaszczuk Government has launched the third of its state-wide regional science and innovation hubs in Cairns, boosting research opportunities in Far North Queensland.
Under the Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network, the hubs aim to provide people living in regional Queensland with more opportunities to engage with science and innovation.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the hub in Cairns would enable Far North individuals and community groups to participate in a range of STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and innovation-related activities.
“The events will be developed by the hub and local science and innovation champions within the community and will include mentoring, networking and collaboration opportunities,” Mr Healy said.
“The engagement of youth in design, implementation, product pitching and entrepreneurship; and engagement with researchers, technologies experts, business and First Nations mentors.
“The network will provide opportunities for skills development and establish local networks that will drive growth and development in the science sector and innovation economy throughout regional Queensland.
“This will enhance how businesses, research organisations, and industry can meet the community’s changing scientific and innovation needs.”
Science Minister Meaghan Scanlon said Cairns joined Gladstone and Toowoomba in as locations, with each regional hub being provided with funding of up to $70,000 over 12 months to employ a regional coordinator to support projects that encourage Queenslanders’ participation and awareness of science and innovation.
“Science and innovation are helping to drive the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan – whether through renewable energy, advanced manufacturing or our education and research sector,” Minister Scanlon said.
“That’s why we’re delivering these hubs, together with major investments like the additional $35.5 million to ramp up the development and manufacture of locally-based vaccines that builds on the last announcement of $20 million as part of our flagship Queensland Jobs fund.”
The Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Science and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport. J
James Cook University will lead the Far North Queensland Hub. Cairns Regional Council will support it, Gulf Savannah NRM, Y(E)P Entrepreneurship Facilitators Cairns, Regional Development Australia and Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
James Cook University Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Professor Andrew Krockenberger said JCU welcomed the initiative.
“This hub will strengthen linkages between our region’s very active science and innovation community, the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of the Chief Entrepreneur,” Professor Krockenberger said.
“Having the Hub here in Cairns will boost connectivity between important state government programs and those working on research and innovation in our region and will support projects that encourage community awareness of science and innovation.
“The Partner Up Queensland program aligns with JCU’s vision of Cairns and the Far North as a knowledge-based economy, reflecting the region’s expertise in meeting the challenges of life in the tropics.”
