The University of Newcastle has launched its first Doctoral Training Centre focused on the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. The Advanced METS Doctoral Training Centre, its aim is to deliver innovation.
Doctoral Training Centres are platforms to connect industry with researchers to accelerate the commercialisation of innovation. PhD candidates focus on industry problems in partnership with peak bodies, providing the research students with greater breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise about the METS sector.
The centres increase the skills and employability of the students as well as provide industry with greater access to academia and engagement with researchers.
For academics, centres are an avenue for increased funding opportunities and the multidisciplinary programs enhance research breadth. The advantages for industry partners include:
• access to the University of Newcastle’s researchers
• engagement with researchers and businesses to deliver innovative solutions, driving commercialisation and business development
• utilisation of the University of Newcastle’s knowledge and facilities
• an established platform to support researchers and research projects
• the creation of a network/hub for industries.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Kevin Hall, said Australian METS companies were global leaders in providing products and services throughout the mining value chain.
“While the METS sector continues to play a key role as a sector of national significance, there are emerging skills and technology challenges,” Hall said.
“The aim of the DTC is to enhance the success of the sector by building a collaborative research platform with academia. Through this doctoral training centre, the University of Newcastle is committed to engaging industry with our researchers and businesses to deliver solutions to real industry challenges.”
METS Ignited General Manager Education and Leadership Skillls Sarah Boucaut (second left in the picture) was proud to support the program at the launch with Associate Professor Ken Williams, Director of NEIR Professor Alan Broadfoot, Chancellor Paul Jeans and Dean of Graduate Research Professor Lucy Johnston. METS Ignited will participate as part of the Advanced METs Doctoral Training Centre steering committee.
