The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) in Brisbane, Australia, hosts its annual Innovation and Excellence Day this Thursday, July 28, starting  at 1pm. Under this year’s theme: Energy, Water and Skills: Challenges for the Resources Sector, the day’s presentations and discussion will focus  on the  challenging and ever changing social, political and natural environments in which the Australian resources sector operates. QCAT Executive Manager Mike McWilliams said guests will be able to engage with research and industry organisations to learn how the sector’s critical  challenges are being met.

“QCAT has evolved into an advanced precinct where research and discussion critical to the future of Australia is being conducted on a daily basis,” Williams said. Following an opening address by the Queensland Minister for Energy and Water Utilities, Stephen Robertson MP, addresses on a wide range of related topics will be presented by:

• Dr Calum Drummond – Group Executive, CSIRO Manufacturing, Materials & Minerals
• Geoff Brent – Research Associate, Orica Mining Services
• Peter van Iersel – Director, Mackay Resource Technology Centre
• Dr Andrew Ash – Director, CSIRO’s National Research Flagship for Climate Adaptation 
• Michael Roche – Director, Queensland Resource Council.

This will culminate in a forum panel looking to open up the discussion to the audience.

Innovation and Excellence Day is a major event on QCAT’s calendar, providing a relaxed and collegial environment for the presentation and discussion of  ideas between researchers, academics and government and industry representatives.

“Innovation and Excellence day allows stakeholders to foster research and business partnerships in Queensland and across the country,” McWilliams  said. Sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the QCAT website in the coming months.