Flinders University welcomes the appointment of Senator Kim Carr (pictured) as the new Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and the Minister for Higher Education, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, said today.
Professor Barber congratulated Senator Carr on his re-appointment as a Cabinet Minister and particularly welcomed the fact that the higher education ministry is now within the same area of ministerial responsibility as innovation, industry, science and research.
“The higher education sector is integral to the research and innovation that will underpin development of the smart industries of the future and to have one Minister with responsibility for these areas will give great impetus to this important area of the economy,” Professor Barber said.
Flinders University has a very sharp focus on this alignment as we plan to invest $120 million in a new building at Tonsley which, along with teaching our computer science, engineering and mathematics students, will also host such initiatives as our New Venture Institute,” he said.
“A key element of the success of the New Venture Institute will be the establishment of strong networks with business clients, researchers, investors, government, and community groups. Senator Carr has shown in his past ministerial role that he appreciates and supports this nexus.”
Flinders New Venture Institute will tap the skills and entrepreneurial experience of:
- Flinders academic and research staff, particularly the Flinders Business School
- The University’s commercialisation arm, Flinders Partners
- The Medical Device Research Institute
- Flinders Partners’ programs and company spin-outs including Venture Dorm, Strategiize and Clevertar
- The Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Mr Matt Salier was recently appointed Director of the New Venture Institute. Mr Salier has an Executive MBA, (Strategic Business Consulting) from the University of Technology, Sydney and over 13 years of experience in a range of not for profit sector roles, most recently as Manager of Strategic Projects for the Smith Family.