Image source: Good Universities Guide
The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $2.4 million to link Federation University with local businesses to advance hydrogen research and explore other new forms of energy in Ballarat and regional Victoria.
Federation University will establish the Research Centre for New Energy Transition to greatly increase the university’s research capability in this critically important area.
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the project is one of six that will share in nearly $20 million through the first round of the Government’s Regional Research Collaboration (RRC) Program.
“This funding will help put regional Victoria at the forefront of research and development of new and emerging energy technologies,” Minister Tudge said.
“It will give students from regional Victorian towns an opportunity to contribute to Australia’s energy future.”
“Our funding will support Federation University to work with local industry partners to capitalise on this rapidly growing sector as many businesses and industry transition to renewable energy.”
“We want our world-class research to be at the forefront of our economic and social success and we want regional univerities to be a big part of that.”
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie said regional Australia is primed to lead our economic recovery post COVID.
“Australia’s regional and remote centres of excellence are already generating ground-breaking solutions to real world problems. It’s essential they’re supported to deepen these communities of expertise,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Enhancing Federation University’s research capabilities will draw more students, researchers and businesses to regional Victoria. Our investment will also create more opportunities for students to pursue research projects and gain a post-graduate qualification in the area.”
“This program is another way the Government is supporting the regions to realise their full potential and create more resilient local economies and communities.”
The Government has invested a total of $48.8 million over four years in the RRC Program to boost research capacity in regional Australia. Round two is expected to open in 2022.
The RRC Program is being implemented in response to the National Regional, Rural and Remote Tertiary Education Strategy and is part of the Government’s mission to strengthen the regional and remote tertiary education sector.