UON unveils $17.3m medical sciences teaching and research precinct

Monday, 31 March 2014

The University of Newcastle today opened the doors to its state-of-the-art medical sciences precinct offering technology-enabled teaching facilities and laboratories to researchers, students and the region's health care workforce.

medical Sciences building storyOfficially opened by the Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Marise Payne, the Medical Sciences West building received Australian Government funding of $7.06 million, with the University investing $10.2 million. 

The purpose-built four-storey Medical Sciences West building includes wet and dry anatomy facilities, a 120 person teaching lab and preparation space, a specimen museum and group study areas. 

The precinct also includes facilities for the University's new Bachelor of Pharmacy degree: 48 dispensing workstations and private consulting rooms that are set up to mirror contemporary industry practice; and contemporary teaching spaces for the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree covering molecular biology in reproduction and plant science. 

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the new precinct was a significant investment in the development of the region's future health care workforce. 

"The state-of-the-art facilities in the new Medical Sciences West building will be available for more than 3,500 students each year from 14 medical sciences degrees, including biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, radiation therapy and speech therapy," Professor McMillen said. 

"Through this remarkable precinct, we will provide UON's students with a next-generation learning experience that will return benefits to our graduates throughout their careers as health care professionals as they practice in our regions and beyond." 

Professor McMillen said the precinct would provide an important platform to build the University's strong performance and reputation in medical sciences research. "Researchers from UON and our regions are global leaders in the medical sciences fields, holding national and international reputations for driving world-class innovation. 

"The medical sciences precinct offers access to cutting-edge laboratories for our world-class researchers, and UON will also work to open the facilities and make them available for colleagues in the regions' health care workforce." 

The Medical Sciences West building was developed by EJE Architecture and Cockram Constructions. The interior fit-out was designed by Scientific Interiors Australia.

Contact

  • Carmen Swadling, Media and Public Relations
  • Phone: +61 2 4985 4276 and 0428 038 477.

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