National Panel on Mechatronics (NPMech)
1. Public role and professional standing
- The panel has contributed to submissions on several public policy issues including the proposed National Curriculum for Science and Mathematics, the review of the Stage 1 Competencies for Engineers, and several other calls for submissions.
- Several prominent articles have appeared in Engineers Australia magazine thanks to the work of panel members.
2. An inclusive professional team
- The National Panel on Mechatronics includes Professors and Associate Professors from various Australian Universities as well as Industry representatives.
3. Youth appeal
4. Chartered Status
5. Continuing professional development
- At a face-to-face meeting in June 2008, the panel reviewed likely trends in the demand for mechatronic engineers. With demand from large companies likely to increase steadily, firms will need to realise that appropriate cross-disciplinary graduate development opportunities will also need to increase, rather than simply streaming mechatronic engineering graduates into an existing discipline framework.
6. International reach and influence
7. Internal (member) communications
- A face-to-face formal meeting is planned for the second half of 2009.
8. A capable organisation
- In the absence of a confirmed budget, activities have been confined to voluntary participation on issues of concern. In 2009-10 there is a confirmed budget which will allow a more planned approach. The panel is developing a longer term forward plan.
