The University of Newcastle is Making Waves in Tertiary Education
We’re a young university and we’re thinking about the future and how we want to teach and research in the most modern, innovative way that we can, and that’s what the STEMM building does.
The University of Newcastle is making waves in the world of innovative education with its new flagship STEMM facility announced just last week. The $200 million investment is set to see the building launch in 2023 and is the University of Newcastle's largest infrastructure spend to date.
We caught up with Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Deborah Hodgson, to talk about the University’s STEMM precinct announcement.
Whilst the facility designs are sure to make anyone and everyone’s eyes sparkle, it’s not just the building that is exciting academics and students alike. This announcement is a first look at the future of the way the University intends to innovate tertiary education.
The facility will integrate the study areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), with a unique design that blurs typical boundaries between education and research. No more long corridors with tucked away rooms and doorways, the building’s design features open entrances, glass walls and interactive space to put both research and learning ‘on show,’ encouraging student, staff and community interaction.
“We’re a young university and we’re thinking about the future and how we want to teach and research in the most modern, innovative way that we can, and that’s what the STEMM building does,” Deborah tells me.
This new move for the University really signals their intent to become leaders in the world of innovative education with the facility bringing together three of the University’s faculties whilst activating all five; Business & Law, Education & Arts, Engineering and Built Environment, Health & Medicine and Science.
“It’s all about bringing people together, not having people stuck in silos. We want people to be bumping into one another, we want students to be the centre of our focus. It’s really about giving undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students a fantastic experience through learning and through their exposure to research.”
The flagship facility is part of the University’s STEMM precinct program, which includes further investment in new buildings and redevelopment works at Callaghan. The STEMM facility will be located on the existing McMullin Building site, adjacent to the University’s Great Hall, creating a new ‘gateway’ to campus.
For individuals looking at their future study options, this announcement of the new STEMM building and precinct is a huge motivator to look at the University of Newcastle as a potential education institution.
“The new STEMM building signals our intent to deliver cutting edge research and education programs, and ensure our students really have the best experience that they can have.”
First works on the project will begin in late 2019, with the facility due to open in 2023 and we can’t wait to see the finished project.