The third State-wide regional science and innovation hubs have been launched in Cairns, boosting scientific and research opportunities for the people of 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 in a meaningful way.
Minister for Science, Meaghan Scanlon said Cairns had now joined Gladstone and Toowoomba as hub locations, with each employing a regional coordinator to support events, activities and projects to encourage Queenslanders’ participation and awareness of science and innovation within their region.
“Recent research commissioned by the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist showed that 83 per cent of Queenslanders believe science is critical for the Queensland economy,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Survey results from the 3M State of Science Index show that nine in 10 Australians back more investment in science,” she said.
“The survey results also showed that during the pandemic, almost two in three Australians thought that scientists and medical professionals are inspiring a new generation to pursue a science-based career.”
Ms Scanlon said that that was why the hubs were delivered together with major investments like the ramp up of development and manufacture of locally-based vaccines that were part of the Queensland Jobs fund.
With the Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Science and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, the Minister for Innovation, Stirling Hinchliffe said the hubs would help to supercharge regional Queensland science and innovation.
“For local entrepreneurs and business leaders, the hubs aim to deliver support and partnerships to identify and develop real-world opportunities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Whether it’s robots, hydrogen or medical technology, we know science and innovation will be critical to building regional Queensland’s industries and jobs of the future.”
The Far North Queensland Hub is to be led by James Cook University where Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Professor Andrew Krockenberger welcomed the initiative.
“This hub will strengthen linkages between our region’s very active science and innovation community,” 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,” he said.
