Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is the Foundation University Partner of Powerhouse Parramatta, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Australian innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs.

As supporting partner of the Lang Walker Family Academy at Powerhouse Parramatta, Western Sydney University is contributing funding for the building and ongoing curriculum expertise delivery for exciting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning programs for 10,000 students each year.

Western Sydney University’s substantial investment will help students from Western Sydney and regional NSW access immersive STEM learning experiences at the museum and an in-school program, both designed to inspire new education and career pathways.

Western Sydney University is also the Principal University Partner of two major Powerhouse Museum programs: Sydney Science Festival and Sydney Design Week.

Sydney Science Festival is Australia’s leading public science program, which has been produced by Powerhouse since 2015. Western Sydney University supports several key events during the festival including Family Science Day, panel discussions and symposiums featuring the University’s academics and research fellows.

Sydney Design Week aims to make design accessible and engaging to new audiences. Western Sydney University collaborates with Powerhouse curators, facilitating design tours, expert talks and industry engagement.

Western Sydney University has committed $10 million to Powerhouse Parramatta confirming its place as the museum’s Foundation University Partner. The multi-year strategic partnership aims to secure success for students and engage communities in Greater Western Sydney through leading science and technology exhibitions, programs and research projects.

Powerhouse Parramatta will be home to two significant venues named for Western Sydney University in recognition of its multi-year partnership with the museum: Western Sydney University Forum and the Powerhouse Research Library, supported by Western Sydney University.

The Western Sydney University Forum is the epitome of space versatility within Powerhouse Parramatta. Housed on the first level of the new museum, it features a retractable seating bank with capacity to seat 800 people when in use as a venue for symposiums, forums by Western Sydney University’s Scholar-in-Residence and other presentations for large groups. When the seating bank is retracted the 1200m2 space can be reconfigured for exhibitions, programs and performances.

The partnership also creates career-enhancing opportunities for the University’s staff and researchers, including joint research between academics and Powerhouse curators, an annual Scholar in Residence, and development of STEM learning programs. Powerhouse has committed to 30 industry placement positions for selected Western Sydney University students each year as part of their course requirements, including cadetships, internships, and mentorship programs.

The University’s generous support of the Lang Walker Family Academy creates a much-needed springboard for 10,000 students from Western Sydney and regional NSW into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths learning. High school students participating in the Lang Walker Family Academy will also be presented with practical pathways into tertiary studies at Western Sydney University.