Boeing Research and Technology Australia (BR&T–Australia) has moved its Brisbane-based team into a new centre within The University of Queensland’s (UQ) St Lucia campus.
“The opening of this centre on campus brings together Boeing and UQ researchers who will collaborate on the next great advances in aerospace,” Boeing ANZ and South Pacific president Maureen Dougherty said.
The move is the first time in the Asia-Pacific region that Boeing has co-located research within a university.
About 30 Boeing research and technical staff will move to the specially-designed facility that features a high-tech student interaction display area complete with augmented-reality technology, computer labs and collaborative spaces.
Boeing’s research and development team in Melbourne remain co-located at Boeing’s advanced manufacturing facility.
Boeing staff will work with UQ researchers and students in fields including engineering, human movements, neuroscience, chemistry, physics and psychology.
Boeing’s industry workspace will demonstrate the realities of aerospace research and provide UQ staff and students with firsthand experience.
Projects earmarked for investigation include studies in unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems, aircraft simulator technologies, manufacturing technologies, and cabin disease transmission.
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said the move was indicative of the 13 year partnership with Boeing having gained a strong appreciation of the quality of UQ staff, students and graduates.
“Its move to campus dramatically boosts opportunities for our creative researchers and talented students to engage with a global innovator, and to explore opportunities to collaborate and work with industry.
“This colocation is a neat fit with the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda and the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland program, and the innovations and expertise generated here will yield important benefits for society.”