Deakin and State Government to collaborate at Queenscliff Centre

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO today joined Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville to make the announcement at Queenscliff.

Professor den Hollander said the new agreement would complement Deakin’s existing marine sciences research base, and would enable the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for temperate water marine science research for southern Australia.

“We are delighted to expand our existing marine science research with our involvement at this important marine station, where we have already conducted some research from through a consortium arrangement with other universities for the past 25 years,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Our new agreement strengthens capacity for research in this region. Our commitment to growing our strong research in marine science across southern Australia, and Victoria in particular, reflects the value of our world’s marine resources now and for future generations.”

Professor den Hollander said Deakin’s collaboration with the Victorian Government would also strengthen partnerships with Fisheries Victoria, the expanding local aquaculture industry and other institutions.

“Deakin’s leading marine science program is the perfect partner for the facilities at the Centre, with researchers ideally placed within reach from our marine sciences bases at Warrnambool and Geelong, through to Melbourne,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Deakin is extremely proud of our reputation as a leader in the field of marine science, and it makes complete sense for our existing work at the centre to be strengthened by forming a base at this important site.”

Current research Deakin is involved in through the consortium includes investigations into seagrass meadows, sea urchin populations, aquaculture feed quality, spread of invasive species, evolution of reproduction in marine invertebrates, seaweed culturing, and gannet biology.