Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today commended The Australian National University and the University of South Australia for signing a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build national research capacity.
Speaking at the signing in Canberra, Senator Carr said the MOU will enable the two universities to work together to bolster their research and training capabilities.
"There are people who say we can't possibly achieve more collaboration and stronger networks in the university sector," Senator Carr said.
"Well, this initiative proves them wrong."
Senator Carr said the aim of the Rudd Government is to bring about cultural change, accelerate structural reform and increase international competitiveness in the university sector.
"The Rudd Government is prepared to drive and support this process, but there is no reason why universities shouldn't be acting on their own initiative.
"This is a collaboration that acknowledges and exploits the strengths of each institution and that honours their separate identities and traditions.
"It focuses on synergies and complementarities, to create a capacity which is more than a sum of its parts.
"It will strengthen the links between basic research, applied research and professional practice – links which are essential to the innovation process," he said.
The MOU formalises collaboration between the universities and provides students with access to the programs of both institutions.
The universities intend to introduce specific programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level as soon as possible, preferably from the start of academic year 2009. One of the first areas to be explored is the development of a new area of study on Population Health.
"This is a relationship that delivers benefits all around, but I suspect no one stands to gain more than the students," Senator Carr said.
Minister Carr's speech is available here.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936