CQUniversity is partnering with Education Queensland to expand and refurbish laboratory space at the North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre...

The combined vision is a multi-purpose facility able to be used by primary and high school students as well as advanced postgraduate researchers.

Environmental Education Centre manager Roger Searl discussing the laboratory extensions with Professor Graham Pegg (left) and Graeme Boyle from CQUniversity

Ideally, school children visiting the island will be able to assist with sample collection and witness laboratory experiments undertaken by university researchers.

This unique location provides opportunities for a vast range of research including marine and reef ecology, wildlife, conservation and sustainability.

It is hoped the expanded facility will be ready for use by next year. Details about the facility are available via http://nkieec.eq.edu.au/wcmss/ .

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean Graham Pegg says "this is a fantastic opportunity to expand CQUniversity's capability in marine biology and marine conservation".

"I am eagerly looking forward to having postgraduate research students spending considerable time at the North Keppel Island facility.

"There are great opportunities for future synergies between the NKI education centre and CQUniversity,  especially with senior high school students interested in a career in marine sciences".