In a major loss for the Australian Technology Network, QUT is leaving the lobby of applied science research universities. “QUT’s strategic direction has evolved significantly since joining the ATN, and today we find ourselves on a trajectory we feel best able to pursue in our own right,” Vice Chancellor Margaret Sheil said Friday.

“While we still have much in common with the other members of the ATN and will continue to work closely with them, QUT also has a range of joint projects with other higher education institutions both in Australia and overseas. We feel it is best to pursue these collaborations independent of a sub-grouping affiliation.”

However, Professor Sheil also said “no other network affiliation is on the agenda”.

In a separate statement released by the ATN she also said, “QUT will focus its advocacy effort in Queensland and through Universities Australia while continuing to build on strong connections with individual institutions.”

With QUT gone the ATN  consists of UTS, RMIT the University of South Australia and Curtin U.

ATN chair, RMIT VC Martin Bean thanked QUT “for its many contributions,” adding that collaborations between the university and network, “would undoubtedly continue.”