New Townsville university facility a ‘game changer’

James Cook University's new $100 million Engineering and Innovation Place (EIP) has opened its doors to students at the Douglas campus. It comes as JCU sees a 49 per cent increase in enrolments for engineering this year. The new Townsville facility features new equipment, 23 new lab spaces, industry engagement and garage space, a workshop, a multi-modal studio and conference rooms. JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said the EIP represented the next generation of learning environments for the university across a range of disciplines. ‘‘Our undergraduate and postgraduate engineering and IT students, industry partners and researchers stepped foot in the four-storey, 9400sq m building for the first time yesterday,’’ Professor Biggs said. “The EIP is a game changer for our students and academics, offering unparalleled access to resources and equipment that are being used in the industry right now. ‘‘It’s exciting to think about the possibilities and future innovations that will be created within the building’s new walls as staff, students and industry partners collaborate and develop new ideas to address real-world challenges facing the 21st century. “Whether you’re studying Information Technology, engineering, mathematics or any number of related fields, the EIP will be a focal point for innovation where students will be able to push the boundaries of what is possible.” JCU third year mechanical engineering students Mitchell Greenland and Ethan Moody. The facility was designed by KIRK Studio, in collaboration with i4 Architecture and Charles Wright Architects, and built by BESIX Watpac. JCU College of Science and Engineering Dean Professor Ron White said the EIP underscored the university’s mission to support, engage with, and supply talent to industries within the region. “Recent significant investments in the energy, resource, defence and digital sectors have created further promising career opportunities for graduates,” he said. “To fulfill this mission, it is crucial to attract and retain talent both locally and internationally. The provision of state-of-the-art facilities in the Engineering Innovation Precinct complements the college's world-class academic programs and researchers in engineering, IT, and science. “These facilities not only enhance the learning environment but also facilitate collaboration and innovation among students, faculty and industry stakeholders.”

New Townsville university facility a ‘game changer’

Industry Queensland

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