November 24, 2020

Alliance of four universities to deliver game changer in education

Western Sydney University signs on as fourth member of NUW Alliance joining UOW, UNSW and University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle, UNSW and the University of Wollongong – acting together as the NUW Alliance – last night announced Western Sydney University would be joining the Alliance as a joint venture partner to together lead a new approach to collaborative education and research.

NUW Alliance CEO Matt Gijselman welcomed the announcement.

“The capabilities and expertise represented in this Alliance have not been brought together in this way in Australia before. The size and scale of this joint venture has not been seen before in Australia – 194,000 students plus 14,500 staff, working across 37 locations including 15 innovation hubs and driving $850 million in research funding. Today is a game changer in higher education. Together, and as individuals, we are among the world’s best,” said Mr. Gijselman.

The new arrangement draws on the extensive collaboration between the four universities that has already produced a New Education and Training Model (NETM) incorporating TAFE NSW and industry partnered education, research, and training. The formalisation of the joint venture arrangement underscores the long-term commitment to delivering the model.

The Alliance is focused on collaborative projects that will have real impact, including the delivery of the Multiversity – a single entity that brings together four of Australia’s leading higher education institutions to deliver 22nd century education, training, and research in the Western Parkland City.

The Western Parkland City is the focus of the 2018 Western Sydney City Deal. Under the Deal, three levels of government have committed to creating 200,000 knowledge jobs by 2038. The Multiversity has a pivotal role in realising that objective for a region among the hardest hit by the jobs and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Multiversity will specialise in industry-experienced graduates and researchers in high-demand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and will be part of the Aerotropolis precinct at Badgerys Creek. By leveraging the expertise of the four institutions, students, employees, and the wider community will have unparalleled access to innovative teaching and research.

The Alliance represents a step change in industry, education, research and training collaboration. These world-first initiatives will unquestionably deliver job-ready graduates for the future.

Professor Paul Wellings CBE, Chair, NUW Alliance said; “The NUW Alliance looks forward to working with Western Sydney University for the jobs of the future as we develop a new model for the Multiversity within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University said: “The Western Sydney City Deal, Aerotropolis and Multiversity, combined, are an opportunity for generational change in the way we deliver the highest quality education and research for Western Sydney. As four universities, acting together, we can expand and accelerate these opportunities and other priorities in the interests of our shared communities.”

Professor Ian Jacobs, President and Vice-Chancellor, UNSW said: “Many challenges lie ahead of us as a state and a nation. Together these four universities represent a rich resource from which governments, business, industry and the wider community can draw upon as a partner to take on these challenges and prepare for our future.”

Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor, University of Newcastle said: “The addition of Western Sydney University is a welcome expansion of the Alliance. Working together, our four institutions will be able to combine our research expertise and our networks with industry to help grow and transform our state.”