The SMART Model

The Facility Model

The SMART Infrastructure Facility's research and teaching laboratories and simulation centre provide an inter-disciplinary approach to infrastructure teaching and research which is integrated with the University of Wollongong’s existing teaching and research strengths.

Infrastructure systems are highly sophisticated, interdependent and interactive. Physical co-location of laboratories specialising in diverse infrastructure elements is vital to fostering cooperation and communication between researchers.

SMART collaborates with a number of partner institutions to enhance the infrastructure research capabilities of the sector more broadly.

The Teaching Model

The SMART Infrastructure Facility will produce world-class engineers and infrastructure professionals who are able to meet the future demands of industry.

SMART provides purpose built accommodation for 200 higher degree research students who will specialise in infrastructure related research areas.

At SMART, inter-disciplinary units are located closely together in order to foster trans-disciplinary collaborations in teaching and research. SMART has consolidated its inter-disciplinary teaching laboratories with the research laboratories. This will enable the University to produce infrastructure professionals equipped for the diverse challenges of providing resilient infrastructure and ensure that the teaching-research nexus is addressed with real world problems and solutions.

SMART also run short courses and professional development events for external infrastructure professionals.

The Research Model

The SMART research model includes:

• modern laboratories for each research group across the infrastructure spectrum
• physical co-location of researchers to promote inter-disciplinary collaborations
• a state-of-the-art simulation centre to allow research theories to be applied to large real world scenarios for image and feasibility analysis
• enhanced ability to demonstrate research findings to industry and government
• commercial industry engaged research in a facility that promotes industry attendance.