Curtin University has taken a significant step towards bridging a crucial gap in Australia's academic and policy infrastructure with the establishment of the Centre for Australia-Africa Relations. The research and engagement hub, officially launched by Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, aims to foster impactful and sustainable partnerships between Australia and the African continent. The centre's inauguration took place during the Australia Africa Universities Network Africa Forum held at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
Alongside the centre's launch, Curtin University also signed a strategic partnership agreement with the University of Pretoria. This agreement sets the stage for academic exchanges and collaborations across a range of disciplines, including business, law, health, science, engineering, and humanities.
Professor Hayne underscored the importance of the Centre for Australia-Africa Relations as a testament to Curtin's dedication to strengthening research and educational ties between Australia and Africa. Serving as a coordinating platform, the centre will harness the multidisciplinary expertise and extensive network of Curtin's staff and students, spanning faculties and campuses, including the African campus in Mauritius.
Additionally, the centre will act as an engagement platform, facilitating collaboration with external university partners through the Australia Africa Universities Network. It aims to establish partnerships with Australian and African governments, industry stakeholders, and African academics, students, and diaspora communities in Australia.
Associate Professor David Mickler, Dean Global, Africa at Curtin University, emphasized the centre's role in addressing a critical void in Australia's academic and policy infrastructure. With the growing strategic significance of the African continent and the increasing African diaspora in Australia, the centre will play a pivotal role in advancing Australia-Africa relations across various sectors.
One of the primary objectives of the centre is to enhance "Australia-Africa literacy" by promoting mutual understanding and informed dialogue between the two regions. It plans to achieve this by organizing public events, research initiatives, and training programs that raise awareness about Australia-Africa relations and challenge negative stereotypes often perpetuated in media and political discourse.
Furthermore, the centre aims to foster "Australia-Africa science diplomacy" by strengthening the connection between innovative research and policymaking. It will provide evidence-based policy advice to support the contributions of Australian and African universities, researchers, and students in addressing significant societal and global challenges.
These announcements were made during Africa Week 2023: Open Africa, Open Science, a biennial science leadership event hosted by the University of Pretoria. The event focuses on the concept of science as a global public good and its role in shaping the global science movement. With the establishment of the Centre for Australia-Africa Relations, Curtin University is taking a proactive role in advancing academic collaboration and policy dialogue between Australia and Africa, fostering a brighter future for both regions.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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