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The Australian
Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook
University (JCU) would maintain their independence
when joining forces to form the Australian
Institute of Marine Science at James Cook University,
Federal Science Minister Peter McGauran said today.
"I want to reiterate in
the strongest terms today that AIMS is not being
merged or amalgamated with JCU," Mr McGauran said.
"Through the formal
affiliation of the two organisations, greater
synergies will be achieved in the delivery of marine
science and this can only be described as a good
outcome for science."
The joint venture will
be overseen by a board comprising representatives of
both organisations and in consultation with the
Queensland Government and will be supported through
additional funding of $5 million for AIMS in the
2003-04 Budget.
"I welcome the
enthusiastic support of this initiative expressed by
Professor Stephen Hall, Director of AIMS, in a media
release this morning," Mr McGauran said.
"The joint venture will
greatly enhance the levels of collaboration between
both organisations and increase Townsville’s profile
as Australia’s centre of excellence in tropical marine
research and education.
"The move will allow a
more effective focus on priority applications of
marine studies. These include protection of the marine
environment, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, and
use of marine biotechnology to produce medicines,
other innovative products and the burgeoning
aquaculture industry.
"This affiliation is a
further example of the Government’s strategic approach
to science and innovation in which valuable
partnerships are established within the research
sector and between researchers, industry and
government to address issues vital to the future of
Australia.
"Moreover, this
initiative will lay the foundation for James Cook
University and the Australian Institute of Marine
Science to become one of the world’s acclaimed centres
for research and teaching in marine science. With
links to CRCs, research agencies, industry and key
environmental organisations, AIMS at JCU will drive
economic and social development in Far North
Queensland and Townsville in particular."
For further
information: Fiona McDonald
(Minister McGauran’s office) 02 6277 7440 |
