IBM to build research lab at Melbourne University

Computer giant IBM has announced that it will build a new state-of-the-art research facility at Melbourne University designed to support disease research and biotechnology as well as advance knowledge of the environment and agricultural sustainability.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year, the new facility will be the first IBM global research and development laboratory anywhere in the world, and is expected to lead to the creation of around 150 new research jobs over the next five years.

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard attended the announcement in Melbourne this week with Victorian Premier John Brumby.

Brumby said that the announcement confirms Victoria’s position as the hub of ICT in Australia and follows the decision of the NBN (national broadband network) to build its hub in Melbourne, and the release of the government’s $110 million ICT strategy yesterday.

“Victoria is the perfect place to base this globally important ICT research and development lab and create 150 new jobs,” he said. “Just like our agricultural, mining, manufacturing and services phases, Victoria’s ICT phase will transform our economy and create thousands of new jobs for Victorian families. Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr, said the expansion of IBM’s facilities in Australia would create important opportunities for Australian organisations and individuals.

“Co-investment with companies such as IBM helps provide a model of cooperation between universities and private industry, and will build high-skill, high-wage jobs for Australians in technologically cutting-edge industries,” Senator Carr said. “It will also provide real world experience for our researchers and PhD students in a world-class facility.”

IBM managing director Australia / New Zealand Glen Boreham, said that the company was actively seeking to grow its R&D capability in Australia.

"Aligned with its drive to build a Smarter Planet, IBM has been drawn to Australia by the availability of world-class talent, the innovation environment, continent-scale opportunities and Australia's robust economy," Mr Boreham said. University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of research Professor Peter Rathjen said that the new facility would result in a number of leading research and development initiatives receiving the support of a world-class ICT infrastructure.

“The establishment of the global R&D lab will bring together some of the best minds in the country and arguably the world,” Professor Rathjen said.