Research in the Pub on the agenda for newly-appointed Research and Development Manager

Sep 29, 2003

The University of Wollongong's appointment to the newly-created post of Research and Development Manager plans to increase markedly the University's linkages with industries and businesses in the Illawarra.

Dr Troy Coyle was previously employed for 18 months as Regional Manager (Illawarra and South Coast) for AusIndustry based in Wollongong. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and is now studying at the University of Wollongong for a Master of Journalism degree in Science Journalism.

"I have already developed strong industry relationships and with people in the business-assistance community - all of which I plan to put to good use at the University", Dr Coyle said.

Dr Coyle hopes to increase awareness of what the University of Wollongong's research capabilities are among the Illawarra community and simultaneously the University will learn what it can gain from contact with various industry/business organisations.

"When a business is looking for the University to help them solve a technical problem or provide technical services, I will be able to link them to the appropriate researchers," she said.

Dr Coyle is keen to raise awareness in the community that the University's skills extend beyond say high-profile areas such as engineering.

"The community should know that the University's expertise includes many other areas such as public health, dietetics, environmental science issues, high-speed computing, accounting, and education/humanities," she said.

And one way Dr Coyle plans to bring the University and wider community even closer together will be through "Research in the Pub". It's a concept which has grown out of "Science in the Pub" and also "Politics in the Pub". Research in the Pub will soon allow UOW researchers the opportunity to share their research in a fun and engaging way across a range of topics in one of the local pubs in the region.

The first in the series of "Research in the Pub" events is expected to start in mid-November.

Dr Coyle is keen to hear from any businesses interested in any way in either starting up a linkage with the University, expanding on an existing one or with ideas for her "Research in the Pub" series. She can be contacted at 4221 4420 or email tcoyle@uow.edu.au

Dr Coyle said businesses could consider collaborative research, offering industry placements for postgraduate students, using University facilities or staff in a consultancy, contracting a researcher for a specific project and even partner with the University to apply for external government support for research.