New automotive safety centre to be world leader

Thursday, 2 May 2002

South Australia's reputation as a world leader in road accident research will be further strengthened with the creation of the new Centre for Automotive Safety Research, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, Professor Cliff Blake AO, said today.

The Centre will be based on the University's renowned Road Accident Research Unit. It will receive $1 million a year from the State Government over the next 10 years and will be headed by Professor Jack McLean, Director of the Road Accident Research Unit. It will also draw on research expertise from the automotive industry and the two other South Australian universities.

"Since its foundation in 1973, the Road Accident Research Unit has built an international reputation for its cutting-edge work in the field of road accident and road injury prevention," Professor Blake said. "The announcement of the new Centre is an acknowledgement of the Road Accident Research Unit's achievements under the leadership of Professor McLean.

"The collaborative nature of the Centre means that it will bring together some of Australia's - and the world's - best design engineers and safety researchers. It is a tremendous boost not just for the car industry in South Australia but for the research and development industry here generally. It will also help to keep the state at the forefront of engineering education and open up new employment opportunities for graduates. The development of the Centre provides yet another opportunity for the three universities in South Australia to collaborate and develop a strong relationship with a major industry in the state.

"I also want to acknowledge the part played by the Chancellor, Mr Robert Champion de Crespigny, in his role as Chairman of the State Economic Development Board, in helping to secure the Centre for South Australia. The Centre promises to bring tangible benefits to the South Australian community but its research has the potential to benefit many more people nationally and internationally."

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