Automated vehicles, sustainable food production and big data are just some of the hot topics to be presented at the inaugural Co.Lab 2017 conference at Australian Technology Park on October 20.

Co.Lab 2017 is a Landcom and UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation initiative that will showcase collaborative research between government agencies, NSW universities and industry on city-shaping issues. Co.Lab 2017 also highlights the unique learning experiences that urban transformation projects provide students and their teachers.

“This is the first time that we will host Co.Lab 2017 to explore and share the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation through collaborative research and student engagement,” said Landcom Chairman, John Brogden.

Co.Lab 2017 draws on the last 12 months of collaborative research and will showcase 10 research projects focusing on smart cities, sustainability, placemaking, urban design, urban agriculture, and autonomous vehicles.

The event, sponsored by Landcom and UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation, will also feature student exhibitions and provide an opportunity for researchers and teachers to engage directly with industry and government agencies working on large scale urban transformation projects.

In April 2016, UrbanGrowth NSW signed the University Framework Agreement, a landmark partnership to collaborate on research to address the significant challenges of urban transformation and provide engagement and learning opportunities for students. Signatories to the agreement include Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University and the University of Wollongong.

“Over the past 12 months we have been collaborating with leading university researchers and industry partners on a number of creative urban research projects that will help shape our city,” said Mr Brogden.

“Co.Lab 2017 is an opportunity to generate new ideas on how we can continue to innovate through research and learning. This public forum will enable participants to engage with government partners investigating complex challenges in urban transformation and to explore the exciting work of universities, TAFE NSW, and primary and secondary students,” said Mr Brogden.

Conference details:

• Date: Friday, 20 October
• What: Co.Lab 2017
• Conference Time: Registrations from 8.30am for an 8.45am start until 5.00pm
• Where: Australian Technology Park, Bay 4, Locomotive Workshop, 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh
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