State-of-the-art science and engineering campus open

The University of Auckland’s Newmarket Campus officially opens this week, providing a hub for advanced multidisciplinary science and engineering research, says University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon.

The University of Auckland’s Newmarket Campus officially opens this week, providing a hub for advanced multidisciplinary science and engineering research, says University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon.

Professor McCutcheon says the opening of the campus at Newmarket is a milestone for the University and provides an outstanding facility with a clear focus on excellent research.

“Newmarket Campus can be seen as a centre for world class research where our staff and postgraduate students will continue to develop and produce new technologies and science that will help take New Zealand into the future,” Professor McCutcheon says.

“We are grateful for Auckland Council’s support in facilitating the purchase of the former brewery site because the location means our relationships with industry and business, so vital to the future of business, the city and the University, are strengthened and enhanced.”

The core themes of research at Newmarket Campus include built environment, structures, earthquake, fluids and transport.

Dean of Engineering Professor Nic Smith says the Newmarket campus is a proud achievement and an exciting development for the Faculty.

“From tomorrow’s transport solutions to leading-edge science in composite materials, engineering has a central role to play in the future for all of us and I’m extremely proud to see this wonderful new research space opened today.”

The Newmarket Campus began with the purchase of the 5.2ha Lion Brewery site in April, 2013, and development will continue over the next 30 years.

Four research themes for postgraduate study have been identified for the campus including health technologies, manufacturing and materials, novel technologies in manufacturing and sustainable energy systems.

Dean of Science Professor John Hosking says the research opportunities at the new campus underline the University’s commitment to contributing to New Zealand’s future through a focus on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

“Both students and staff will benefit from this dedicated research space with a clear focus in these vital areas of research.”

Buildings at the campus incorporate a number of energy-saving initiatives including occupancy sensors along with maximum utilisation of natural light. Bore water is used for cooling systems and returned to source rather than using the city’s water and sewerage systems.

The Newmarket Campus is officially opened by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce on Wednesday 13 May. The event begins at 2pm and includes unveiling of a plaque by the Minister and a tour of Campus buildings.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest research organisation and is ranked internationally as New Zealand’s leading university.

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