Published Thursday, 24 May, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
QUEENSLAND RESEARCHERS TO ENJOY CLOSE TIES WITH EUROPE
A new initiative linking Queensland researchers to the entire European research community has provided another important boost to the Smart State, Premier Peter Beattie said today.
Mr Beattie said the Queensland-European Research Collaborations Initiative (QERCI) was the first research network to be established between an individual state of Australia and the entire European research community.
“There are already existing research networks like the Forum for Europe-Australia Science and Technology Cooperation Network linking Australia to Europe,” Mr Beattie said.
“And there are also existing networks linking Queensland to specific European countries, for example, the Association for Research between Italy and Australasia.
“However, this is the first time Queensland has forged links with the European research community as a whole,” Mr Beattie said.
QERCI’s first year of operation coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the European Union, an international powerhouse in research and development.
Mr Beattie said the new forum would enable Queensland researchers to better access the Union’s abundant experience, knowledge and skills.
“This new forum is a boost for the Smart State because strong research networks are crucial to our growth,” Mr Beattie said.
“This new alliance will help foster technological exchange, promote our respective capabilities and encourage investment in Queensland.
“QERCI will help Queensland researchers make the right connections with their European counterparts and facilitate European alliances.
“It will also offer Queensland industry a strong competitive advantage by providing access to complimentary skills and resources in the development of new technologies,” Mr Beattie said.
Queensland researchers have already been collaborating with their European counterparts across a range of topics, from clean coal technology through to medical research.
QERCI will convene quarterly to facilitate interaction across sectors, academia and agencies, addressing key Smart State Sectors such as water, energy and health.
Media enquiries: 3224 4500
24 May 2007
Mr Beattie said the Queensland-European Research Collaborations Initiative (QERCI) was the first research network to be established between an individual state of Australia and the entire European research community.
“There are already existing research networks like the Forum for Europe-Australia Science and Technology Cooperation Network linking Australia to Europe,” Mr Beattie said.
“And there are also existing networks linking Queensland to specific European countries, for example, the Association for Research between Italy and Australasia.
“However, this is the first time Queensland has forged links with the European research community as a whole,” Mr Beattie said.
QERCI’s first year of operation coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the European Union, an international powerhouse in research and development.
Mr Beattie said the new forum would enable Queensland researchers to better access the Union’s abundant experience, knowledge and skills.
“This new forum is a boost for the Smart State because strong research networks are crucial to our growth,” Mr Beattie said.
“This new alliance will help foster technological exchange, promote our respective capabilities and encourage investment in Queensland.
“QERCI will help Queensland researchers make the right connections with their European counterparts and facilitate European alliances.
“It will also offer Queensland industry a strong competitive advantage by providing access to complimentary skills and resources in the development of new technologies,” Mr Beattie said.
Queensland researchers have already been collaborating with their European counterparts across a range of topics, from clean coal technology through to medical research.
QERCI will convene quarterly to facilitate interaction across sectors, academia and agencies, addressing key Smart State Sectors such as water, energy and health.
Media enquiries: 3224 4500
24 May 2007