Wollongong academics take message to the public

Nov 14, 2003

Academics from the University of Wollongong took the message to the public this week in the first of the "University in the Brewery" series held at Five Islands Brewery.

The series, aimed at showcasing research and development in several faculties at the University, kicked off with the topic "The history, art and science of brewing beer" and involved a demonstration of the brewing process and beer tastings.

More than 80 people turned out for the inaugural meeting. Guest speakers included Five Islands brewer Tim Thomas and Dr Simon Brooke-Taylor a food safety and regulation consultant and qualified master brewer, who used to work for the UK's largest brewer, Bass.

The Head of Biological Sciences at UOW, Professor Mark Walker, made the link from brewing beer to saving lives through biotechnology, while the evening's compere, Professor David Griffiths Foundation Professor in Statistics at UOW and former Rhodes Scholar presented a talk on the history of beer which he had previously given at Oxford University.

The Research and Development Manager at UOW, Dr Troy Coyle, said the concept for "University in the Brewery" has grown out of "Science in the Pub" and also "Politics in the Pub". She plans to increase markedly the University's linkages with industries and businesses in the Illawarra.

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 "brewery" series. She can be contacted at 4221 4420 or email tcoyle@uow.edu.au