MoU strengthens bond to benefit remote Australia

A Memorandum of Understanding signed this week by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) will generate opportunities to work together on innovation projects that build a stronger desert and remote Australia.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said he was excited by the creation of a new working relationship with the potential to impact the social and economic development of Australia’s desert and arid lands.

“As a new-world university, it is critical that we explore opportunities to strengthen our engagement with entrepreneurs, innovative thinkers and strategic partners who share an expansive outlook on desert knowledge and research,” Professor Maddocks said.

“I am optimistic that we have put in place a framework for what will be a new motivating stimulus for building goodwill, developing capacity and for exploring new frontiers in many fields, for example renewable energy and digital innovation.”

Professor Maddocks said that the initial starting point for collaboration would focus on four themes: Central Australian Research Projects, Digital Innovation, Desert Knowledge Precinct Projects and the Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy.

DKA Chief Executive Officer Lauren Ganley said the MoU would connect people, knowledge and ideas, and provide opportunities to innovate.

“DKA and Charles Darwin University share similar values and objectives, which have brought us together on a range of projects over the years,” Ms Ganley said.

“It’s great to be formalising our partnership and we look forward to working more closely together to demonstrate the value of desert and remote Australia.

“This partnership will present us with new opportunities to develop, curate and share knowledge.”