The Australian Synchrotron, operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), is one of our most important pieces of landmark research infrastructure, which delivers high-quality research in collaboration with industry and research partners.
The Australian Government, through the National Innovation and Science Agenda, has committed $520 million to the operation of the Australian Synchrotron over the period 2016-2026, a portion of which is contingent on ANSTO securing third party capital investment for new beamlines.
Beamlines are the instruments that carry beams of synchrotron radiation, each optimized for a particular field of research.
Through Project BR-GHT, ANSTO has secured $80.2 million in new funding from the New Zealand Government and 10 New Zealand universities and research institutions, the Defence Science and Technology Group and 10 universities and medical research institutes across Australia.
The new funding will expand the number of beamlines at the Synchrotron from 10 to as many 18, increasing research output at the Melbourne-based facility and helping to meet researcher demand for the state-of-the-art facility.
To celebrate the Synchrotron’s expansion Minister Sinodinos today joined ANSTO chief executive Dr Adi Paterson and chair of the New Zealand Synchrotron Group Dr Garth Carnaby to officially launch Project BR-GHT at the Synchrotron in Deakin.
This expansion will give Australian and New Zealand researchers access to world class specialised tools and techniques needed for critical research in growth areas and areas of national priority: in energy, resources, advanced manufacturing, food, health and medical research, materials and textile science and the environment.