A new $26.5 million innovation precinct at Deakin University will boost Victoria’s research and teaching capacity in emerging disciplines including medical robotics, cyber security and virtual reality.

The multidisciplinary teaching and research precinct in Burwood features a variety of laboratory spaces, simulation teaching facilities, and collaboration areas for students, researchers and industry.

At the heart of the precinct is a new nursing and midwifery centre with five new training wards to foster the next generation of Victorian healthcare professionals, including mental health nurses. It will be critical in meeting skills demands across the state.

Deakin University’s Capstone and Launch Pad programs will also be accommodated at the precinct, linking students with industry professionals and scientists to help solve real-world IT problems.

About 79 jobs will be created at the precinct by 2025, including during the construction phase.

The project will shortly go out for tender and is expected to be finished in 2022.

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $2 million towards this project, which is one of many proposals from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.

The $350 million fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.