A new tradition begins for Macquarie University
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor S Bruce Dowton, welcomed students and staff to the start of the new academic year on Monday 14 February with the inaugural Convocation Ceremony. There were a number of people in physical attendance at the ceremony, and the event was live streamed and watched by more than 1300 members of the Macquarie community online.
“The reason we have decided to introduce this ceremony today is that this is a special year,” said the Vice-Chancellor in his welcome address. “After the ravages of the global pandemic and the effects that has had on all of us over the last two years it is a particular celebration for us that we can welcome you back to this campus as new students, and as new staff members, to be here and recommit ourselves to the notion of being a community; a gathering of people which works and plays hard together on this remarkable campus or wherever our work takes us in this nation or around the world.”
Macquarie signs exciting MoU with State government
The University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New South Wales State Government, acting through Investment NSW and the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and for Industry and Trade, to collaborate to identify opportunities for the commercialisation of research, economic growth, the creation of new jobs, the development of a highly skilled workforce and the creation of world-leading precincts.
The MoU identifies specific areas for collaboration, such as the Macquarie Park Innovation District, NSW Bioscience Alliance, NSW Institute of Applied Technology at Meadowbank, the Sydney Quantum Academy, Macquarie Incubator, Synthetic Biology Biofoundry and the Critical Supply Chain CRC.
Pictured above: The Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton with New South Wales state government representatives on the steps of the New South Wales Parliament, Sydney.
EMI Centre virtual launch
The new English Medium Instruction (EMI) Centre was launched virtually by Dr Pamela Humphreys, Director of Macquarie University College, late last year. The Centre is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The Centre provides bespoke training and programs to institutions and teachers who may be unfamiliar with instructing in English. The Honorable Dr Geoffrey Lee, Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, spoke at the launch, acknowledging the need for this new contribution.
Our Science and Engineering facilities on display
On 20 January 2022, Macquarie welcomed NSW Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens SC MP and NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte to campus for a tour of our world-class facilities in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Macquarie is working closely with the NSW Government to help maximise opportunities for further research innovation, particularly in the fields of synthetic biology and astronomy. The Minister and Chief Scientist toured Australian Astronomical Optics – Macquarie and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology during their visit, accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius.
Pictured above: Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, talking to The Hon Alister Henskens SC MP, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series kicks off
Macquarie Business School Executive Dean Eric Knight hosted Macquarie Asset Management Group Head, Ben Way, in the first of the 2022 Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series on Wednesday 2 February. Ben graduated from Macquarie University in 1997 with a combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts and is now based in Hong Kong. He leads a team of more than 2300 people, managing over $A735 billion of assets. Ben spoke about how Macquarie University shaped his life, living and working in Asia, and the challenges of leadership during a global pandemic. Ben’s first overseas trip was as a member of the Macquarie University debating team to England to take on Oxford University. “It showed me we can compete globally and really gave me a taste for that big international life,” said Ben. More than 400 students, staff and alumni attended the online event.
Parents pack the house
On Monday 7 February we welcomed our commencing students’ parents and carers to our community. Almost 500 parents and carers came to campus, and 130 joined us online, to hear how they can support their student and help them make the most out of their time at Macquarie University.
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