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Agreement on track for an integrated agricultural research institute in Western Australia
October 31, 2003

Three of the State's universities and the Western Australia Department of Agriculture have determined the key guiding principles for the development of a $90 million dollar integrated agricultural research institute for Western Australia.

A steering committee with nominees from the five partners, the Department, Curtin and Murdoch Universities, the University of Western Australia and the Grains Research and Development Corporation, has outlined the way forward for the Institute.

Committee Chairman and Western Australia Chief Scientist Bruce Hobbs said he was delighted with the high level of priority and commitment being given to the project.

"The partners have agreed the Institute will be established as an incorporated joint venture with scope to potentially include other related organisations," Dr Hobbs said.

The partners are also committed to ensuring that the Institute meets the needs of the State and stakeholders through the coordination and integration of research, teaching and extension.

Post-graduate teaching will be supported within the Institute with undergraduate teaching being supported by Institute staff, but managed by the Universities using University facilities.

Dr Hobbs said the Institute’s structure and influence would enable global capability and recognition, thus increasing international awareness of Western Australia’s capabilities and investment opportunities.

He said the Institute would generate the critical mass required for the State to attract major research funding initiatives on a scale not achievable by the partners acting individually.

The Committee is still considering issues related to ownership, employment conditions, the range of disciplines, integration of laboratories and research stations, and how best to communicate the Institute’s research products to industry.

The Committee is confident it will meet its February deadline to report its recommendations to Government, with the first phase of the new Institute to be operational by 1 July next year.

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