31 Mar 2017
Nexus Impact // Launch of Global Impact Cluster for Energy, Resources, Food and Water
A new Global Impact Cluster for Energy, Resources, Food and Water (GIC ERFW) aimed at accelerating innovation has been launched at the University of Newcastle (UON), Australia. The GIC ERFW will leverage UON’s well-established research strengths harnessed by its flagship Research Institute – Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) to support focused industry engagement, transdisciplinary research collaboration and commercial output.
Executive Director, NIER and GIC ERFW, Professor Alan Broadfoot said the implementation of the GIC ERFW would enable broader avenues for sector and industry bodies to collaborate with the University.
“The GIC ERFW will connect to the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), linking our students and researchers with a wide range of industry partners to accelerate frontline innovation,” said Professor Broadfoot.
“We aim to grow a connective network to empower our researchers and students to work collaboratively to tackle global challenges and deliver technologies with impact.”
The GIC ERFW is the first of four clusters expected to launch over the next two years, leveraging UON’s world-class research concentrations.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Kevin Hall said the clusters would work across disciplinary and national boundaries to drive innovation, business development, commercialisation and impact.
“Global Impact Clusters (GICs) are enablers for industry collaboration and research translation at a broad level,” said Professor Hall.
“The GICs will be adaptive and change to meet global and national trends, aligning with government and industry sector priorities. We hope they will help to shape the development of new models for collaboration and competition in multidisciplinary research and provide global leadership into the future,” said Professor Hall.
A new Advisory Board to lead the GIC ERFW was also announced today, with members comprised of an optimal mix of industry representatives who possess the expertise, leadership, skills and knowledge in relevant sectors to assist the strategic direction of the GIC ERFW:
- Mr Ric Gros Chief Executive Officer, METS Ignited Australia Ltd
- Dr Mirjana Prica Managing Director, Food Innovation Australia Ltd
- Mr Rod Naylor Executive General Manager (Growth), Veolia Australia and NZ
- Mr John Richards Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Bloomfield Group
- Mr Kim Hockings Principal Technical Marketing, Coal Technical Marketing, BHP Billiton
- Dr Rod Lukatelich Environmental Consultant and Board Director, CRC CARE
- Dr Jim Bentley Managing Director, Hunter Water Corporation
- Professor Kevin Hall DVC (Research and Innovation), University of Newcastle
- Professor Brett Ninness PVC Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Newcastle
- Professor Lee Smith PVC Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle
- Professor Alan Broadfoot Executive Director, NIER and GIC ERFW, University of Newcastle