The University of Queensland (UQ) has signed an agreement with ABB Australia today, which will enhance the learning experiences of its student cohort.
The five-year agreement will provide UQ’s engineering student cohort with a wide range of technological resources.
Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT), Professor Graham Schaffer said the partnership with ABB would assist the Faculty in providing a student-centred learning experience, focused on hands-on, active learning approaches.
“UQ’s collaboration with ABB is integral to maintaining our leadership in engineering education and higher research,” Professor Schaffer said.
“It will ensure our graduates have industry relevant skills and are well prepared for the professional working environment.”
Under the agreement, ABB will provide over $500,000 to UQ in the form of laboratory equipment and scholarship funding.
As a result of the generous support from ABB, students now have access to the ABB Mechatronics Teaching Laboratory, complete with ABB’s System 800xA control system, ABB ACS800 variable speed drives and AC motors, an ABB DCS800 variable speed drive with a Baldor DC motor and an IRB 20 industrial robot.
In addition to the laboratory equipment, ABB will also provide support in the form of undergraduate scholarships for low socio-economic or indigenous students.
ABB has partnered with UQ to award a minimum of one three-year annual scholarship, providing these students the opportunity to undertake tertiary education.
Chief Executive Officer of ABB, Mr Axel Kuhr said ABB was excited about the future of engineering at UQ and in Australia.
“We see the opportunity to work closely with UQ as rewarding for both the students and ABB,” Mr Kuhr said.
“ABB will also support a number of full-time Research Higher Degree students with scholarships as well as offering paid internships over the lifetime of the sponsorship.
“Our vision for this collaboration is to help the University develop industry-ready, highly skilled and globally focused graduates.”
Media: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or + 61 7 3365 8525)
