New England was key to the industrial revolution in the United States.  The Blackstone Valley running through Massachusetts and Rhode Island has been called the birthplace of America's industrial revolution.  In 1787, the first cotton mill in America was founded in the North Shore seaport of Beverly, Massachusetts as the Beverly Cotton Manufactory .  The Manufactory was also considered the largest cotton mill of its time. Technological developments and achievements from the Manufactory led to the development of more advanced cotton mills, including Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island . Towns such as Lawrence, Massachusetts , Lowell, Massachusetts , Woonsocket, Rhode Island , and Lewiston, Maine became centers of the textile industry following the innovations at Slater Mill and the Beverly Cotton Manufactory. [ citation needed ]
UNE is dedicated to identifying and delivering innovations of value to society and industry — in Australia and internationally — with a particular emphasis on inter-disciplinary research. We seek solutions to complex problems in rural and regional Australia. Our research involves interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations and is underpinned by five thematic research priorities: Australia's future food and water security; Climate change and environmental sustainability; Health and wellbeing in rural communities; Our communities, our neighbours; Our past, present and future.