Senator Carr helps light up University science

Artist's impression of the new science building.
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Wednesday, 2 February 2011

The University of Adelaide's leadership in science education and research will receive top-level attention today with a special visit from Federal Innovation Minister, Senator the Hon. Kim Carr.

Senator Carr will present the first free Apple iPad being given to all first-year students enrolling in Science this year at the University of Adelaide, in a move aimed at revolutionising the way science is taught at the University.

Senator Carr will then light a symbolic optical fibre "preform" at the site where the University's new science and research building will be constructed.

The 7-level building project 'Illumin8' will house the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. It will include unique specialised laboratories for developing a new generation of optical fibres, plus a 420-seat lecture theatre, other teaching and research laboratories, and additional student and staff space.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha said: "The University of Adelaide is investing significantly to advance science education and research for the future benefit of us all.

"By giving all our new first-year Science students an iPad, we will transform their educational experience, reinvigorate science teaching and make our teaching materials more accessible and more relevant.

"This technology-rich learning environment, combined with the access our students have to leading researchers and cutting-edge research, will give them the best start to their science studies and future careers."

Professor McWha said the new science and research building would bring great scientific advances and top teaching and research facilities for students and staff.

"This world-class research and teaching facility will allow our scientists to develop revolutionary technologies using a new generation of optical fibres with great potential benefits for health, the environment, food and wine production, and defence," Professor McWha said.

"It will give students the benefit of first-rate teaching facilities and the opportunity to work with great researchers, who will be attracted from around the world to this facility."

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