Flinders University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will give the University an active collaborative role in two new Centres announced today by manufacturer Hills Ltd and the State Government.

Premier Jay Weatherill announced the establishment of the Lance Hill Design Centre and the Digital Research Commercialisation Centre, assisted by financial support from the State Government.

Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Barber said the new Centres will create opportunities for co-operative projects between Flinders and Hills that will engage the University’s expertise in medical device innovation.

“Through the Medical Device Research Institute, headed by Professor Karen Reynolds, Flinders is a world leader in nurturing and fostering the development of medical devices and assistive technologies,” Professor Barber said.

The new Centres will focus on developments in sensors, monitoring and non-clinical devices, tying closely to Flinders expertise in these areas.

Professor Reynolds said Flinders has a strong record in developing assistive technologies, including the development of home-based devices that measure and monitor health.

“Flinders has proven expertise in bringing together organisations responsible for the various elements of innovation, from concept through to design, development, trials and manufacture,” she said.

“The engagement with Hills is yet another strand in Flinders’ contribution to creating smart, high-tech industries in South Australia that will provide the jobs of the future.”

Professor Reynolds said that the imminent shift of the University’s entrepreneurial activities to Tonsley would, with the anticipated co-location of high-tech companies, strongly increase collaborative opportunities in the field.