OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2022-2031 - Western Sydney University
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OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2022–2031
Rather than providing the answer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are the start of problem-solving and providing options, a path forward. We need engineering, social licence, a good business model, appropriate end user design. We need the right people with the right skills at each stage of the process. DR CATHY FOLEY, AO, AUSTRALIA’S CHIEF SCIENTIST CareerswithSTEM.com, February 2021 With respect for Indigenous cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work on their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond).
Message from Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President, Research, Enterprise and International, Professor Deborah Sweeney Western Sydney is undergoing a period of significant growth and opportunity. We have a booming population, a new greenfields airport, the revolution that is industry 4.0, major investment in health and medical research as well as education precincts, an agribusiness precinct, and the STEM-focused cultural space and collection at the Powerhouse Parramatta underway. All three tiers of government are investing heavily in jobs, transport infrastructure, growth and regional renewal within Western Sydney. Significant projects such as the Western Parkland City, Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Bradfield City Centre and Metro Airport West rail line will drive new opportunities for growth. The region’s growth and opportunities are happening in a context of rapid change – change in technologies, climate and weather, the natural landscape and urban green spaces. Vulnerable species and ecological communities are facing more frequent climate and weather extremes including drought, heat waves and bushfires, habitat reduction and fragmentation. At the same time, we will see changing post-COVID-19 education, communications and business models, and the mushrooming use, availability and security of data. STEM education, research and development are critical for Australia to realise its full potential in this rapidly changing context. Industry and business will need to work together with all levels of government, communities and educational and research institutions to create the workforce and communities that can engage, lead, inspire and deliver solutions. Western Sydney University can play a pivotal role by supporting the STEM aspirations of students in Western Sydney, and working with industry and government to find sustainable solutions. This decadal plan envisions a transformational STEM future for Western Sydney and beyond. We present an integrated vision, wherein STEM fields work with health and humanities and social sciences disciplines to provide quality STEM education and fruitful pathways into the STEM workforce for the people of Western Sydney. Optimising the Future presents the unique features of STEM research and teaching at Western Sydney University, with the aim of nurturing partnerships between education, community and industry over the next ten years to create the future. Professor Barney Glover AO Professor Deborah Sweeney Vice-Chancellor and President Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President westernsydney.edu.au
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
STEM AT WESTERN
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
3 SCHOOLS > 7500 STEM students rising
to >8000 in 2023
2 INSTITUTES > 490 STEM academics and 60
technical and support staff
14 250
DISCIPLINE primary teachers trained pa
AREAS with 100 specialising in Science,
Technology, or Mathematics
C(STEM,
3 150
LUSTERS secondary teachers trained pa
Humanities, Arts & in Science/Technology and/
Social Sciences - HASS, Health) or Maths
By May 2023, the Department of Jobs and Small Business projects that STEM occupations will
grow by 10.8% (ABS, 2018).
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH THEMES
85% of the University’s assessed research ranked at world standard or above in the 2018
Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) national report
WELL ABOVE OR ABOVE WORLD STANDARD RESEARCH (EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH FOR
AUSTRALIA 2018)
≥ Agricultural Sciences ≥ Environmental Sciences ≥ Medical and Health Sciences
≥ Applied Mathematics ≥ Evolutionary Biology ≥ Microbiology
≥ Biochemistry and Cell Biology ≥ Forestry Sciences ≥ Plant Biology
≥ Biological Sciences ≥ Human Movement and ≥ Psychology and
≥ Ecology; Ecological Applications Sports Science Cognitive Sciences
≥ Electrical and Electronic ≥ Macromolecular and ≥ Pure Mathematics
Engineering Materials Chemistry ≥ Soil Sciences
≥ Environmental Science ≥ Materials Engineering ≥ Statistics
and Management ≥ Mathematical Sciences ≥ Zoology
4 Western Sydney University
OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
GLOBAL RANKINGS
TOP 2%
IN THE WORLD
OVERALL¹
TOP
100
IN THE WORLD
for 16 out of the
17 UN Sustainable
Development Goals²
RANKED
61-70
IN THE WORLD
among universities
under 50 years old³
1. Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2. Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
3. QS World University Rankings Top 50 under 50
4. US News Best Global Universities 2020
westernsydney.edu.au 5WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
WESTMEAD
INNOVATION
QUARTER: A $350M HEALTH RESEARCH
AND COMMERCIAL ECOSYSTEM
IN THE HEART OF WESTMEAD
6
INNO
Western Sydney UniversityOPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030 OVATION westernsydney.edu.au 7
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
ULTIVERSITY
A NEW EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH APPROACH CENTRED ON
Wollemi
National
Park
THE WESTERN SYDNEY AEROTROPOLIS AND WESTERN PARKLAND CITY
Blue
Mountains
National
Park
8 Western Sydney UniversityRoad
r RICHMOND
R ive OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADALTrain
PLAN line2021–2030
Train Station
ry
RICHMOND
sbu
0 10
ke
Kilometres
w
Ha
WINDSOR
HAWKESBURY
≥ Agribusiness
≥
≥
Protected Cropping
Sustainability WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S
≥ Forensic Science EXPERTISE IN STEM, INCLUDING
≥ Centre of Excellence in
Agricultural Education HEALTH SCIENCES, EXTENDS ACROSS
(NSW, DoED)
THE REGION
PENRITH
≥ Engineering HORNSBY
≥ Construction
≥ Infrastructure QUAKERS HILL
≥ Materials Science
≥ Institute of Applied Technology
≥ AR – VR
≥ Advanced Manufacturing WESTMEAD RESEARCH
WSU, TAFE
PRECINCT
≥ Neuroscience
≥ Med Tech – Link Lab
PENRITH WERRINGTON ≥ Human Machine System incl AR/VR
ST MARYS ≥ Integrative & Translational Health
KINGSWOOD BLACKTOWN
≥ Lifespan Labs
PENRITH ≥ Hospital Engineering
WERRINGTON PARRAMATTA
≥ Launch Pad
≥ Engineering Innovation Hub
≥ Space Science
≥ Launch Pad
≥ Neuromorphic
Engineering ≥ Advanced Materials
≥ Data Science
PARRAMATTA
Sydney
Science
Park
STRATHFIELD
LIDCOMBE
Western AEROTROPOLIS BANKSTOWN
Sydney PRECINCT ≥ Factory of the Future
Airport ≥ Biomedicine
A
≥ Education & Work
≥ Human Machine
Systems incl AR/VR
Aerotropolis LIVERPOOL
Core district ≥ Health & Medical
≥ Science & Innovation
AEROTROPOLIS LIVERPOOL BANKSTOWN
≥ Advanced
Manufacturing
Research Facility
≥ Multiversity: WSU,
UoN, UNSW & UoW LEPPINGTON
WSU, TAFE
GLENFIELD
CAMPBELLTOWN SUTHERLAND
≥ Medicine
≥ Health Sciences
≥ Medical Chemistry
CAMPBELLTOWN ≥ NMR
westernsydney.edu.au 9
CAMPBELLTOWN
Royal
National
MACARTHUR ParkWESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
STEM CHALLENGES
AND NEEDS OVER THE
NEXT DECADE
Like the rest of Australia Investments, including the $5 billion by the
NSW government to deliver new facilities and
EQUITY
There remains relatively little diversity in many
and the world, over the infrastructure to the region; the $740m into STEM areas.
the Liverpool Health, and Academic Precinct
coming decade Western and the development of the new Nancy Bird
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Walton Airport, are all crucial to realising
Sydney will be faced the industry, employment and economic New health and medical research and
outcomes of Western Sydney and NSW. In education precincts will need large scale,
with wicked problems addition, the Western Sydney City Deal will data-informed integration of engineering and
technology infrastructure, systems, workforce
such as global warming, create 200,000 knowledge jobs throughout
the Western Parkland City by 2038. planning, and patient and community care.
extreme weather, threats This unique period of growth and investment INDUSTRY AND WORK
to cybersecurity, and the will see a focus on, and need for, a highly
skilled STEM workforce. Western Sydney
Industry will need manufacturing that is agile,
scalable, innovative, commercially successful
need for person-centred will experience a rise in jobs focused on and sector leading. It will need access to major
aviation services; advanced manufacturing; relevant datasets and networks that can be
health and aged care. smart logistics and supply chain; allied heath; integrated, visualised and augmented to drive
engineering; VR and AR, and technology- digitisation, automation and human-centred
Over the next 20 years, Western Sydney’s supported peri-urban agriculture. design.
population is expected to grow by another
million, contributing to more than half of Optimising the Future will enable people,
Sydney’s overall expected population growth. industries and government in the region to ENVIRONMENT AND
Western Sydney is already the third largest access fruitful partnerships that leverage SUSTAINABILITY
economy in Australia behind the Sydney CBD cutting-edge knowledge and expertise, Communities will need a sustainable, safe
and Melbourne. underpinning innovation, competitive and secure water supply; renewable energy
strength, embracing future opportunities and and infrastructure; food security; and
securing sustainable growth and development materials designed for Australian conditions
in the face of existing and emerging grand that withstand extreme weather, and are
challenges. environmentally sustainable and affordable.
WORKFORCE URBAN LIVING FUTURES AND
By 2030, it is estimated that we will spend SOCIETY
77% more time using STEM skills than we do We will need cities that are liveable, walkable
today (Foundation for Young Australians, and heat-resistant, with sustainable,
2017). STEM knowledge and skills are vital accessible and affordable smart housing and
from early childhood education, through transport that is fast, environmentally clean,
school and to post-education, not just to reliable, within reach and flexible. We will need
meet the demands of core STEM study and to anticipate and prevent cybersecurity risks
careers, but across all subject areas, for a wide and breaches.
range of careers. Persistent challenges remain
in attracting young people towards STEM
subjects in school, leading to lack of interest
and preparedness for tertiary STEM study.
10 Western Sydney UniversityOPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
THE
THE STEM POWERHOUSE
DECADAL PLAN MUSEUM
With three, five and ten year horizons, our STEM decadal plan will support Western In 2024 the Powerhouse Museum will move to
Sydney and Australia to meet the challenges by: the banks of the Parramatta River, in an iconic
≥ enabling access to the people of Western Equity: We will address intersectionality and purpose-built building.
Sydney to quality STEM education and skills, work to dispel and challenge stereotypes that
A significant investment in the cultural and
≥ widening participation of students reduce female and Indigenous Australian’s
social infrastructure of Western Sydney,
and championing gender equity, participation in STEM. We will improve the
the new Museum’s close proximity to
diversity, and inclusion, confidence of our community to undertake
the University’s Parramatta Engineering
≥ forging strong partnerships between STEM and excel in STEM study across their lifespan
and Innovation Hub will realise exciting
education providers, researchers and the with Western Sydney University.
opportunities for collaboration across
businesses, government and communites
locally and globally to utilise our impactful Transformation: Western Sydney University research and teaching.
research outcomes and solutions, will lead internationally recognised centres
Western Sydney University has committed
≥ providing multiple pathways from of excellence in agritech, neuromorphic
$10 million to Powerhouse Parramatta
school to workforce through vocational engineering, environmental health, advanced
confirming its place as the museum’s
education and training (VET) and higher manufacturing, structural health and,
education and creating alternative Foundation University Partner and reflecting
through its 21C curriculum transformation, be
credentials, training, and upskilling the University’s ongoing commitment to
recognised for excellence in STEM education
throughout the life course, and developing the next generation of Australian
with visible pathways towards STEM careers.
≥ building Western Sydney University’s innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs.
international profile and reputation in Connectedness: We will engage in co-design The University will embed researchers in
STEM education and research to address and collaboration through constant dialogue the museum including an annual Scholar in
the challenges that matter most for with the community, early childhood centres, Residence, and utilise museum spaces for
fairness, prosperity, and wellbeing. schools, TAFE, universities and industry. Our STEM-related education opportunities.
graduates and communities will upskill for
Our priorities for the coming decade are Partnering with Walker Family Foundation,
professional learning via a range of sector
underpinned by four key principles: the Powerhouse Museum will be home
leading alternate and micro-credentials, and
Sustainability: In ten years Western will to the Lang Walker Family Academy and
we will be known as a sector leader for work-
be recognised as a leading institution for associated programs. The Powerhouse,
integrated learning and co-located industry
facilitating teacher professional learning the Walker Family Foundation and Western
labs and facilities.
across a diverse range of STEM areas and we Sydney University, will deliver world-class
will have sustained success in STEM+ research immersive STEM education experiences at
across existing and emerging research the museum for over 10,000 high school
challenges linked to the UN’s Sustainable students from Western Sydney and regional
Development Goals NSW every year – including overnight stays at
the museum.
SUSTAINABILITY
Western is deeply committed to sustainability and working to ensure a better quality of life for all, now and in the future, in a just and
equitable manner, while living within the limits of supporting ecosystems. STEM has a vital role in contributing to this work through multiple
channels from evidence based STEM research, to broadening access and equity to diverse groups for STEM opportunities.
The MARVI project embodies these principles. The MARVI system (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through
Village-level Intervention) engages village communities in Africa and India to monitor, use and manage groundwater at the village level.
MARVI developed the MyWell app enabling the collection and sharing of monitored data of well water levels, rainfall, water quality and dam
water levels to help local communities manage scarce groundwater reserves.
westernsydney.edu.au 11SUSTAINABILITY
DEVELOPING THE
NEXT GENERATION
STEM WORKFORCE
Western Sydney We will create sustainability through
prioritising learning and research that
ENRICHING CURRICULUM WITH
LOCAL CONTEXT
University plays a pivotal promotes the UN Sustainable Development
We will educate students about STEM through
Goals, the sustainability of the environment,
a focus on the Western Sydney region.
role in supporting the and ensuring our graduates are highly
We will continue work with local teachers,
employable in industries that will achieve a
STEM aspirations of better quality of life for all.
councils, government agencies and industry
partners to bring STEM in Western Sydney
students in Western BY 2031, WE WILL:
to life through the production of curriculum
resources, linked to NSW syllabus documents.
Sydney. We will ensure ≥ Lead a Tech Job Accelerator for
For example, our curriculum project funded
Western Sydney to drive innovation,
they are well placed to enterprise and startups. by Transport for NSW aims to design,
≥ Increase work-integrated learning implement and evaluate inquiry‑based units
take advantage of the across STEM disciplines. of work based upon the Parramatta Light Rail
project. The project will include a professional
growing demand for
≥ Host industry-university co-
locations across Western Sydney. development course and a formal research
STEM skills across a broad ≥ Be a provider and partner of choice evaluation of the design and implementation
for entrepreneurship training, micro- of the units of work that will be produced by
range of industries, from credentials, and industry internships to
meet the region changing industry needs.
the participating teachers.
new industries emerging ≥ Lead in MedTech, responding to
Our STEM outreach, developed in consultation
with school partners, will provide accredited
clinical need, designing sustainable
within the Aerotropolis to solutions and supporting local programs tailored for the professional
enterprise through commercialisation, learning needs of early childhood, primary
advanced manufacturing, education and training. and secondary teachers. At the same time,
our academics will deliver cutting-edge
hi-tech agriculture and engagement programs for students.
health science.
12 Western Sydney UniversityOPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
THE 21ST CENTURY CURRICULUM
(21C) PROJECT – GRADUATES
WHO ARE STEM+ CAPABLE
21C STEM+ recognises that STEM
capabilities cross disciplines, professions
and different spheres of life.
The 21C STEM+ curriculum will develop the
STEM capabilities required by all students
to succeed in a technologically advanced
future and to be leaders who use their
STEM capabilities to drive positive change.
Through curiosity pods, we address cross-
cutting topics addressing industry industry
workforce gaps.
STEM+ capabilities such as non-routine
problem-solving, complex communication,
adaptability and systems thinking have
been identified as key to employability.
The 21C STEM+ Curriculum Challenge will
develop sub-majors through the renewal
of units drawn from both traditional
STEM disciplines such as Science and
Engineering, but also from disciplines
including Humanities, Health and Business.
The STEM+ curriculum will be co-created
with game-changing industry partners
and Western Sydney University students,
working in collaboration to ensure that the
learning outcomes are exciting to students,
and authentic and relevant to the future
needs of work and society.
Venture Makers – Western’s
Entrepreneurship Training and
Development Program – will ensure any
student from any degree an opportunity to
engage with entrepreneurship training.
westernsydney.edu.au 13EQUITY EMBEDDING DIVERSITY IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE STEM WORK LIFE CYCLE 14 Western Sydney University
OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
Western Sydney We are committed to enhancing the lives of our students, staff and the community by
promoting fairness, social justice and opportunities for success.
University will act as
STEM FOR EVERYONE INCREASING STEM PARTICIPATION
a leader in promoting We will help industry to meet their equity BY INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
equity in STEM through and diversity targets, for example through
initiating industry partnership agreements
The STEM cluster aims to increase Indigenous
participation by 5% by 2026.
innovative STEM to attract, develop and retain a cohort of
The STEM Cluster’s Indigenous Strategy
strong talented female learners in higher
education research, active education, initiating scholarships for female 2022–2026, in accordance with the Western
students, and encouraging female staff to Sydney University Indigenous Strategy
advancement of gender lead and participate in industry, research and 2020–2025, will support positive learning
community activities. experiences; prioritise early years literacy
equity in STEM areas, and and numeracy, engagement and support in
The SAGE Action Plan (2019–2024) STEM learning in Indigenous communities;
by partnering with others will dismantle entrenched barriers to and provide support for alumni who aspire to
in the STEM education
achievement, bolster opportunity, and connect with their community and to promote
support career success for STEM women STEM education.
ecosystem to remove and trans and gender diverse staff across
the academic work life cycle by structurally Internship programs will focus on providing
barriers and facilitate supporting and advancing achievement. Indigenous students the opportunity to
continue to learn both at University and in the
effective pathways This work aims to disempower gender bias workforce.
and stereotypes that reduce and diminish
towards further education engagement in STEM disciplines for women, BY 2031 WE WILL:
trans and gender diverse peoples, celebrate
and the STEM workforce. and raise the profile of our early career
≥ Address intersectionality and increase
enrolment in STEM by Indigenous
STEM women, recognise and elevate our students and by female students.
female STEM leaders, better understand the
≥ Be recognised as a Regional Centre
intersectional experiences of STEM women of Excellence in STEM education.
of marginalised identity backgrounds, and
promote flexible and culturally safe work
environments that are responsive to the needs
of our increasingly diverse STEM cohort.
westernsydney.edu.au 15WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
I NTERNATIONAL
CENTRE FOR
NEUROMORPHIC
SYSTEMS:
HARNESSING THE LOW-ENERGY PRECISION OF BIOLOGY, SUCH AS INSECT VISION AND
MOVEMENT, IN NEXT GENERATION COMPUTING AND VISION SYSTEMS
16
INNO Western Sydney UniversityOPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030 OVATION westernsydney.edu.au 17
TRANSFORMATION
CONDUCTING HIGH
QUALITY SCIENCE
THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD
Universities are a key to innovation. Western Sydney University is transforming
our local communities, Australia and the world through impactful research in
partnership with industry and end-users.
Our high-quality STEM research collaboratively BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING FORECAST AND PREDICTIVE
addresses global challenges and informs TECHNOLOGIES THAT IMPROVE MODELLING FOR THE FUTURE
our innovative and flexible curriculum. We AND SAVE LIVES Data is the decade’s greatest asset for
are creating future leaders who are highly business, government and communities.
Western Sydney University’s biomedical
employable and inspired to transform their Informed and expert-guided data collection,
engineers will work with health professionals
communities and themselves. quality, governance, analytics and integration
to identify clinicial needs and collaborate
with entrepreneurs and startups to create are driving foresight, decision making,
NEUROMORPHIC ENGINEERING – new, scalable solutions. This incorporates strategy, enterprise, innovation and success.
NEW HARDWARE AND the development of novel sensors, control
ALGORITHMS INSPIRED BY systems, algorithms and physical devices, Industry, government, not for profit and
community organisations co-design with
BIOLOGY while leveraging the latest state-of-the-
art technologies from other industries and Western Sydney University to find the problem
The human brain processes information faster
repurposing them for new applications. and collaboratively determine impactful
than even the most advanced technology,
solutions. These range from products,
and uses very little energy. Our neuromorphic
We provide training opportunities and services and recommender systems to data
engineering research will apply similar
commercialisation support, and have transformation, workflows, and algorithms.
principles to electronics devices to achieve the
developed advanced solutions including:
same level of robustness and efficiency. With a Masters of Data Ccience, micro-
≥ Braincubator, an incubation
credentialling opportunities for our partners
Neuromorphic solutions will provide sensors system for acute tissue samples –
commercialised by PAYO Scientific and support for STEM education in schools, we
and algorithms that efficiently alert us to
are developing excellence in Western Sydney
important changes in the earth and space ≥ HEXAS, a wearable arbitrary waveform
to address the data needs of the future.
environment so we can take action, rather than stimulator that restores the sense of
just capturing massive amounts of irrelevant touch and balance. This device is in
data. Our solutions can be applied to space
further development with an industry AGRITECH – A $100 BILLION
partner for astronaut training. OPPORTUNITY
data and technologies, defence, driverless
cars, mining, agriculture, IoT and speech and ≥ Morphic sensors, a platform of With more than 1300 hectares of world-
electrodeless, non-optical sensors that class agricultural facilities and a Masters in
image recognition.
allow precise physiological monitoring in
Sustainable Ecosystems, Western Sydney
Western Sydney University has the only a highly wearable fashion. In commercial
University is embracing AgriTech solutions,
development (saiiv.com) and trials for sleep
dedicated neuromorphic laboratory in education and skills development.
disorder diagnosis, post-COVID infection
Australia and is on track to become the leading
monitoring and in-hospital use.
academic neuromorphic engineering research We will integrate science, technology,
concentration in the world. With a new Masters engineering, mathematics, business and social
co-designed with industry, in the next decade science into agricultural systems research
we will be an Asia Pacific hub for training in pathways. This work will help to mitigate the
this revolutionary technology. impact of climate change and international
trade on food production, and support the
agricultural industry to better manage our
scarce natural resources.
18 Western Sydney UniversityOur plan is to develop frameworks for AgriTech detection, prevention and management of Realising innovations from composites and
implementations that showcase the potential impacts on landscapes, the environment and fabrication, through to breakthroughs in
of next-generation production systems at field property as well as businesses and people. neuromorphic science and quantum, the AMRF
scale through horticulture, protected cropping will catalyse leaps in Australia’s advanced
and within urbanised environments. These Our research into bushfire resilience will drive manufacturing capability. Located in the new
technologies will capture data through sensor community awareness of and participation city adjacent to the Western Sydney Airport, the
networks, and provide advanced analysis and in bushfire mitigation programs. We will AMRF will provide platform for collaboration and
visualisation platforms that blend sensors, data offer speciliased short-course programs in innovation that enables prototype development
capture and automation, robotics and cloud disciplines such as building for fire resistance, and rapid scale of new products and processes.
computing. remote and in-the-field fire behaviour analysis A site that offers the genuine collaborative
and response, incident management, and opportunity for government and research,
bushfire meteorology for practitioners such the AMRF will service business providing both
CLEAN DRINKING WATER FOR
as the Rural Fire Service and other relevant infrastructure and services.
WESTERN SYDNEY agencies.
Based on our research, Sydney Water has With initial building commencing in 2023 with
built a pilot of the first system in the world We will also conduct world-class research full operations by 2026, through the AMRF
to quantitatively predict the chemical and leading to industry commercialisation of new Western Sydney University will support the
microbiological behavior in a chloraminated simulation methods, technology, forecasting growth of future facing industries in areas from
water system. and monitoring systems and ways of defence, space, and aerospace to construction
optimising long-term landscape management technologies; new energies; and the circular
Chloraminated water is water cleaned and mitigating health, property and economic economy.
with chloramine disinfectant, and is drunk impacts.
by approximately 90% of Sydney Water
customers. More utilities in Australia are BY 2031, WE WILL:
switching to chloraminated system as a result
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING ≥ Collaborate to lead nationally in Agritech
of climate change. RESEARCH FACILITY to ensure sustainability, food security
Western Sydney University as part of the NUW and cutting-edge food production
Our research assesses the risk and provides Alliance, and in partnership with the University of solutions for the Indopacific region.
an opportunity to evaluate impacts of various Technology Sydney, will deliver a shared research ≥ Develop international leadership
operational interventions. We hope the system vision through the Advanced Manufacturing in neuromorphic engineering,
will make an important contribution towards Research Facility (AMRF). The AMRF will be a especially advanced sensing
ensuring clean drinking water to public on collaborative, research intensive and industry capabilities, for Australia.
chloraminated systems in a changing climate engaged ecosystem. ≥ Work with local health districts to design
in Australia and around the world. integrated health infrastructure and care.
Drawing on a network of specialist facilities, ≥ Establish a Centre of Excellence
institutes, and expertise, the AMRF will drive in- in Human-Machine Systems.
BUSHFIRE RESILIENCE
excess of $1.4 billion in industry and community ≥ Lead in Environmental Health and
The unprecedented longevity, extent and
partnered research. It will be supported by Stewardship, integrating our strengths
character of the megafires of the 2019–20
nearly 18,000 staff, and over 240,000 students in forecasting, predictive modelling,
fire season in eastern Australia highlighted AgriTech and STEM education.
across technology-infused teaching and research
the pressing need for new solutions for fire
infrastructure and precincts.
westernsydney.edu.au 19LAUNCH PAD:
A ONE-STOP SHOP BUSINESS AND INNOVATION
SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR STARTUP AND
HIGH GROWTH TECHNOLOGY BASED BUSINESSES
IN WESTERN SYDNEY
INNOOVATION
TRANSFORMATION
SUPPORTING
THE PEOPLE &
BUSINESSES
OF WESTERN SYDNEY
Western Sydney University is embedded in the
economic, cultural and social growth of the Western
Sydney region. We work with communities to co-
produce solutions and produce graduates who can
contribute both locally and globally.
We find answers to the issues facing PENRITH SUSTAINABLE
Western Sydney at a time of unprecedented INNOVATION COMMUNITY –
development and change. Our education A KNOWLEDGE NETWORK
and research will be pivotal in driving FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
a post-COVID economic return for the
The Penrith Sustainable Innovation
region. We provide a catalyst for facilitating
Community will be an urban scale precinct,
commercialisation through integrating
where people live, work and learn in
industry with education, training, research
a community with high amenity and
and development, and attracting and
connectivity. It will link with Western Sydney
retaining talent.
University’s other campuses and provide a
gateway to the Aerotropolis.
LINKLAB - CREATING A SOLUTION
FOR A PROBLEM, NOT A SOLUTION Located on our existing Penrith campus
LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM (Werrington North, Werrington South and
Linklab aims to address the reasons Kingswood), this initiative will become
technology fails to translate to practice. With an exemplar of transdisciplinary learning
nodes in South Western Sydney, Western and a community for education, research,
Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains Local innovation and commercialisation.
Health Districts, it brings together clinical,
STEM and industry leaders into teams to BY 2031, WE WILL:
identify addressable clinical needs, assess ≥ Integrate STEM innovation and enterprise
market need, and create the right partnerships in Health and Medical Research precincts
to provide a realisable commercial solution. It beginning with Westmead then
then feeds back unaddressed clinical needs Campbelltown, Liverpool, and Bankstown.
to Schools and Institutes for potential use as ≥ Lead the region in forecast and predictive
student projects or fundamental research. modelling in numerous domains.
≥ Support transformational regional
developments such as the Nancy
Bird Walton Airport through
education and training.
≥ Partner to be leaders in advanced
manufacturing, bringing together
human machine systems, neuromorphic
engineering and our tech jobs accelerator.
22 Western Sydney UniversityOPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
Launch Pad is a Tech Startup Incubator
established to enable the growth of a startup
community in Western Sydney. It provides a
one-stop shop business and innovation support
program that provides facilities, assistance
and resources for startup and high growth
technology based businesses in Western
Sydney.
It supports business by providing modern but
low-cost serviced office and co-working space,
specialist business advice, mentoring, events,
networking, training and education. Clients
work within a highly collaborative environment
with other technology-focused entrepreneurs,
leading to problem solving, sharing of expertise
and experience.
For entrepreneurs, Launch Pad promotes a
model based on an end-to-end innovation
experience, with the opportunity to work
within a collaborative, technology-focused
community, augmented by direct engagement
with the applied research and expertise of
one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing
universities.
Since its inception in 2016, Launch Pad has
directly generated more than 430 jobs and has
added more than $100 million in value to the
regional economy.
westernsydney.edu.au 23WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 24 Western Sydney University
OPTIMISING THE FUTURE: STEM DECADAL PLAN 2021–2030
OPTIMISING
THE FUTURE
Now and over the coming decade, there will be extraordinary challenges and
opportunities for Western Sydney and Australia.
STEM at Western Sydney University, together with industry partners, communities
and government, will lead bold solutions in health, food security, cybersecurity,
environmental health, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and urban transformation.
westernsydney.edu.au 25OPTIMISE
JOIN US TO
THE FUTURE.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Kate Stevens
STEM Cluster Pro Vice-Chancellor
PVC-STEM@westernsydney.edu.au
Ph: 0408 603 997
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