Written by Laura Glitsos Wednesday, 18 November 2009 10:47
A HOST of distinguished guests and honoraries descended on Curtin University for the official opening of the Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct last Friday, in one of the grandest moves forward for science and industry in the State.
The guest list was a veritable who’s who, with Premier Colin Barnett officially cutting the ribbon for the $116 million site.
Premier Barnett said with the launch of the new precinct and support from industry partners, Western Australia is now poised to provide half of the entire nation’s resource needs in 10 years’ time.
Early invitees were treated to a guided tour of the facilities and a rundown of the inner workings of the state-of-the-art, 15,000sqm precinct.
Tour guides emphasised the sophisticated layout and design, including the advanced building management system to minimise energy use and enhance safety precautions.
The building also features abundant natural lighting and stunning outer design.
The precinct will now house Curtin’s Department of Chemistry (including forensic chemistry, medicinal and biological chemistry, mineral and material chemistry), Curtin Water Quality Research Centre, Nanochemistry Research Institute, WA Corrosion Research Group, and the WA Organic Isotope Geochemistry Centre.
ChemCentre has also found a new home at the precinct, moving from its long-time East Perth premises and continuing its world-class research into fields such as forensic chemistry, hazardous materials response, environmental monitoring and bioanalysis.
A major highlight of the precinct is the Curtin Institute of Minerals and Energy, which was also officially launched by Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson.
BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina president Julius Matthys spoke at the opening and echoed Precinct director Mark Woffenden’s hopes that the opening will herald expanding collaborations between universities and industry.
BHP Billiton contributed $5 million to the Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct.
Over 200 research, teaching and support staff from Curtin’s Department of Chemistry and the State Government’s ChemCentre will work in the 100 laboratory-strong building.
In addition, more than 50 research students and 1200 undergraduate students will fill the precinct each week, in what Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hackett described as “…the largest centre of resources, energy, chemistry research and education in the Southern Hemisphere”.
