Distinguished Professor Lesley Hughes, Interim Executive Dean of Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering says the partnership will support opportunities to broaden research outcomes and build smarter greener cities fit for the future.
“It is so encouraging to see a cross-industry collaboration between Macquarie University and Celestino formally established around such a high impact smart city development in the heart of Sydney’s West. The Sydney Science Park is revolutionising the delivery of education, deepening research potential and cementing strong professional ties to the Western Sydney community and beyond,” says Distinguished Professor Hughes.
The collaboration will explore:
- Smart and sustainable development focusing on innovations in water management, urban greening and heat abatement
- Utilising smart technology (including smart construction)
- STEM initiatives (including involvement in the Sydney Science Park CSIRO Urban Living Lab Annual STEM School Challenge)
- Health, wellbeing and nature-connection activities and projects
Celestino’s General Manager of Business Development, Duncan Challen, says the partnership with Macquarie University is important for Sydney Science Park on many levels.
“An integral part of supporting the delivery of the vision for a truly world-class sustainable and liveable smart city will be through the establishment of strategic collaborative partnerships between researchers, educators, innovators and high-tech industries”, said Mr Challen. “Collaborations with the university sector, such as with Macquarie University, will play a critical role in shaping the collective thinking on how to build large scale smart city greenfield developments that are sustainable, centred on delivering flourishing communities and importantly creating the jobs of the future”.
The current focus of the partnership will draw upon research out of Macquarie University’s Smart Green Cities, a collaborative research hub aspiring to facilitate liveable smart green cities for the future.
“Smart Green Cities is proud to lend its expertise and insights to help develop the transformative and innovative Sydney Science Park. We will provide ongoing advice and counsel on sustainable solutions for the development, from plant species selection through our successful Which Plant Where Project to heat abatement strategies and clever construction practises for the betterment of people and the planet,” says Director of Smart Green Cities Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman.
“We will work closely with Celestino to ensure the precinct’s urban spaces are built to compliment and cope with the dynamic climates in Sydney’s West as well as further our research capabilities and scope into greener and smarter living,” said Distinguished Professor Leishman.
