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Monash China consortium established

1 November 2006

Monash has established a new consortium to provide a platform for research and industrial engagement between Australia and China.

The Australia-China Consortium on Engineering Education and Research (ACCEER) will foster active interaction between Monash, two Chinese universities, and industry from both countries.

The consortium was initiated by Monash University, in partnership with Wuhan University of Technology and Central South University. Industrial partners include Rio Tinto, the Aluminium Corporation of China Ltd (CHALCO) and the Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corporation.

The agreement was formalised when Deputy Chancellor Mr Paul Ramler signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the ACCEER inauguration ceremony in Beijing on 28 September. The event was attended by more than 50 representatives of the Australian and Chinese governments, prominent industrial companies and the three universities involved.

"The consortium has set up several collaborative programs including an annual research workshop, supervision of postgraduates, special guest professorships and credit transfers in undergraduate engineering programs between Monash and the Chinese member universities," Professor Cheng said.

   ACCEER signatories, from left: Professor Chen Qiyuan, Vice President, Central South University; Mr Paul Ramler, Deputy Chancellor, Monash University; and Professor Tao Dexin, Vice President, Wuhan University of Technology.
ACCEER signatories, from left: Professor Chen Qiyuan, Vice President, Central South University; Mr Paul Ramler, Deputy Chancellor, Monash University; and Professor Tao Dexin, Vice President, Wuhan University of Technology.

Specific research collaborations will focus on nano-materials, light alloys, digital control and the aerodynamics of rapid trains.

"These collaborations will lead to mutual visits by postgraduates and researchers from universities and industry next year," he said.

Monash is now holding discussions with the Victorian State Government, the Australian Federal Government, BHP Billiton and a number of Australian companies to join ACCEER.

At the time of the ACCEER inauguration, formal agreement was also signed between the Monash-based ARC Centre of Excellence for Design of Light Metals and CHALCO for research and technological development.

CHALCO, one of the largest aluminium manufacturers in the world, has recently successfully bid for a $3 billion investment in a bauxite mine at Aurukun in Queensland.

Professor Cheng said the industrial partners in the consortium would provide assistance to facilitate student exchanges and opportunities for engineering students to gain work experience with leading industrial companies in both countries.