The $103 million Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC) is currently under construction at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds Campus.

The new research centre is an exciting collaborative project between Deakin University, CSIRO and the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM). It has support from both the Federal and Victorian Governments, including a $37 million grant from the Australian Government's Education Investment Fund.

It incorporates the development of the Australian Carbon Fibre Reseach Facility, extensive renovation of the Geelong Technology Precinct and relocation of CSIRO from its Belmont premises to Deakin University.

The Australian Carbon Fibre Research Facility, 'Carbon Nexus', is a $34 million project within AFFRIC and will house a carbon fibre pilot line, capable of producing 20 tonnes of aerospace quality fibre annually. AFFRIC will provide accommodation for up to 300 additional staff and students.

The Centre will further increase the capacity of the partner organisations to service the fibre, textile, composite, automotive and aerospace industries and assist in the translation of research into end-user applications. AFFRIC is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2013.

Deakin is renowned for excellent teaching and innovative course delivery. It has a student-focussed culture with a well-deserved reputation for being accessible, helpful and friendly.

VCAMM is unique – was established to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian advanced manufacturing industry through orchestrating innovation and development of leading businesses and technologies.

CSIRO is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.