The Dow Chemical Company and The University of Queensland have unveiled a strategic partnership that will establish the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation.

 

Funded through a Dow contribution worth $10 million over the next six years, the newl Centre will pursue a program of research and collaboration aimed at harnessing solutions to the sustainability challenges of the 21st Century.

 

“This is a lighthouse initiative - hot-housing innovation at the urban energy, water and carbon nexus, which will attract international attention to the issues of sustainability and position Dow and UQ as leaders, achievers and contributors to society,” Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Liveris said.

 

“The Center confirms our mutual commitment to sustainability through its focus on high impact outcomes of global significance and delivery of knowledge and leadership for future generations within an operational framework that provides economic prosperity while respecting community values and the environment.”

 

This is the first time Dow has signed such an agreement with an Australian university.

 

“Dow and UQ are natural partners,” Mr Liveris said. “The University's strategic intent and core strengths in science and engineering align well with those of Dow. Dow's culture of discovery and innovation, a focus on advanced manufacturing and new markets, and a commitment to sustainability are closely matched by the new initiatives driven by global sustainability challenges that are defining UQ's strategic direction.”

 

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said The Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation would be a driving force of the University's sustainability agenda.

 

“We expect the Centre to become a magnet for talented staff and students and to affirm UQ's leadership in the fields of science and engineering.”