The Australian Research Council (ARC) has welcomed a new research training centre for rail track infrastructure established in Wollongong, NSW.
The Council expects the training centre to create innovative engineering solutions and products which will position Australia as a global research and development leader in rail engineering.
Chief Executive of the ARC, Sue Thomas said the new CRC would equip the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and skills imperative to design, maintain and upgrade Australia’s rail infrastructure, and secure a vibrant rail industry into the future.
“Headquartered at the University of Wollongong, the ARC Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure draws together another eight Australian universities, along with 13 national and international partner organisations,” Professor Thomas said.
“Working collaboratively, their research focus will enable the transformation of Australia’s rail construction and maintenance technologies through specialist training of industry-focused researchers.”
She said the training centre would develop railway professionals that would be fully industry-ready; who could create innovative engineering solutions to enhance railway performance and extend infrastructure longevity.
“Working closely with industries in the rail supply chain, researchers in the training centre will advance fabrication techniques and develop more resilient products that will improve the safety of Australia’s railways, while also reducing construction and maintenance costs,” Professor Thomas said.
