The memory of late Governor Peter Underwood has inspired the University of Tasmania and state government to team up to improve the state's education levels.
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The Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment, launched this morning in Hobart, will aim to understand the issues behind the state's relatively poor levels of high school retention and literacy.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the centre would analyse the state's education system, address the need for training and professional development, and organise activities to increase participation in education in disadvantaged communities.
"The number one goal is retention and attainment," Mr Rockliff said.
Mr Rockliff said the opening of the centre would prove a landmark achievement in the long term.
University of Tasmania vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen said the centre honoured the memory of Mr Underwood, who had pushed for a collaborative effort between the government and university.
"It is an acknowledgement that there is much to do and that addressing the issues which are hodling Tasmanian children back will take many years to improve," Professor Rathjen said.
"This is, however, a significant step on a road which Tasmania has not travelled up until this point."
Governor Kate Warner will chair the centre's advisory committee.
