Monash University will showcase a range of student-led engineering projects at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX, using the international motorsport event as a platform to highlight innovation in mobility, aerospace, robotics and autonomous systems.
In a media statement, Monash said visitors to the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit would be able to engage directly with its engineering student teams through interactive demonstrations and displays across the four-day event.
According to the University, Monash Nova Rover will demonstrate its planetary rover, Banksia, navigating a simulated lunar surface, while providing insights into the design and technology behind the project.
Monash Motorsport is set to exhibit its student-built race cars and operate a driving simulator to give attendees a hands-on motorsport experience.
Monash said its Connected Autonomous Vehicle team would feature a full-scale autonomous road vehicle alongside its award-winning competition car, demonstrating advances in intelligent transport systems.
Monash High Powered Rocketry will present experimental and hybrid rockets, and Monash Automation will showcase robotics prototypes and interactive demonstrations.
The University said visitors could also participate in a human-centred design challenge, building a concept F1 car, pit crew or circuit of the future using recycled materials.
Interactive quizzes will help guide students toward potential study areas and career pathways, while displays will outline Monash’s industry partnerships and broader innovation network.
Monash Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering said the event provided an opportunity to present student work on a global stage.
“Our students are tackling real-world challenges and designing solutions that will shape the future of engineering, mobility, and technology,” Professor Pickering said.
She said thousands of visitors were expected to tour the Innovation Hub presented by Engineers Australia during the Grand Prix, offering what she described as a global platform to showcase student creativity and inspire future engineers and innovators.
Monash said it is also partnering with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Engineers Australia to deliver In Her Corner, a program focused on advancing gender equity in motorsport and STEM.
The program will bring together industry leaders including F1 media presenter and former Sauber Head of Race Strategy Ruth Buscombe, Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali and Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards, according to Monash.
Director of Monash Student Teams Associate Professor Scott Wordley said the showcase would allow students to demonstrate the real-world application of their projects to a broad audience.
“It’s exciting to see our projects, from rovers to autonomous vehicles, come to life in front of thousands of visitors. Sharing our work at such a high-profile event motivates us to keep pushing boundaries,” Associate Professor Wordley said.
