The new Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRF Centre) opened for business at the University of Newcastle in January this year.

The HRF Centre is the result of a partnership forged between the long-standing Hunter Research Foundation and Newcastle’s world-class university. It is a multi-disciplinary research centre focused on building economic and social strength in the Hunter and other cities and regions undergoing profound change.

Newcastle and the Hunter region are looking to grow and attract new business and to navigate an economic and social transformation. Reliable research is an important element in creating change as it explores and quantifies our regional strengths and builds an evidence-base to inform investment and policy that can lead toward a sustainable future.

The HRF Centre continues the elements of local research that businesses and the community value. That includes its Hunter and Upper Hunter Pulse surveys of residents and businesses, its Hunter (and Upper Hunter) Region Economic Indicators publications and its Hunter (and Upper Hunter) Economic Breakfast series.

The partnership with the University adds a new level of service and expertise not previously available to HRF.

The HRF Centre Chair in Applied Economics, Professor Will Rifkin, said the centre would build on the HRF’s strong partnerships and sponsorship across sectors.

“We will engage the University’s researchers in social and economic research and analysis that is practical. We want research that puts industry, government and the community on the same page about health, engineering, energy, the environment, and other opportunities,” Will said.

The HRF Centre will relocate to the University’s NewSpace building in Newcastle’s CBD in June. That will enable working more closely with staff in the University’s Faculty of Business and Law.

IMAGE | Lead Economist, Dr Anthea Bill speaks about the new HRF Centre at the Hunter Economic Breakfast.