Torch Project Manager Dr Yuan
Wang has a crucial role to play
in developing the new precinct
Phase Two involves building
infrastructure – labs, accommodation,
offices, and recreational facilities – on six
acres of UNSW-affiliated property set
aside for a science park near the existing
university campus.
The Phase Two site is expected to
provide an Australian research and
development base for up to ten major
Chinese companies, together with a
Technology Business Incubator
supporting Chinese and Australian
small enterprises and startups. But
right now, Phase One is the focus. Four
initial priority research areas – materials,
energy, the environment, and life
sciences – were identified last year. A
further five – manufacturing, information
technology, telecommunications, food
and agriculture, and social sciences –
have since been added.
Wang is working on growing potential
Category 3 funding (industry-funded
contract research), improving
connections with industry, and increasing
social engagement, and her funding drive
is way ahead of schedule.
At September 2017, she already had
commitments totalling A$33 million from
30 companies, with a further A$50 million
in funds under “active discussion”.
“Our aim was to reach A$10 0 million
by 2020. We are already halfway there. It’s
expanding more and more. We’re strong
in manufacturing, ICT, and social science,
and there are more and more academics
becoming involved, which is very
promising,” says Wang.
To read more about the UNSW
Torch Innovation Precinct visit:
torch.unsw.edu.au
If you want to make a direct enquiry,
please contact: [email protected]
R e a d o n l i n e at: u k s pa . o r g . u k / b r e a k t h r o u g h
trade
Dean of Engineering, Prof
Mark Hoffman, in one of
UNSW’s materials science labs
Ancient Chinese
philosophy sees a crisis
as synonymous with an
opportunity. This may have
helped UK international
trade secretary Liam Fox
save face during his trips to
China where he attempted
to assure Beijing that the
UK will remain a stable
partner post-Brexit.
A successful UK-China
free-trade agreement
would help the UK’s high-
tech industries to thrive in
areas complementary to
Chinese national interests.
Having invested more than
£10 billion in the UK since
2016, China is likely to
prize our domestic skills in
environment, smart-energy,
advanced manufacturing,
and metallurgy above and
beyond any challenges
associated with the UK’s
position within the EU.
According to 2015
statistics, the 30 top
Chinese companies
currently based in the
UK yielded revenues of
£9.8 billion and employed
over 20,000 British people.
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