Australian synchrotron handed lifeline through Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation ownership

THE multimillion-dollar synch­rotron, which produces intense beams of light one billion times brighter than the sun, has been handed a Federal Government lifeline.

One of the detectors for the Australian Synchrotron. David Aragao looks at protein samples. Picture: Paul Loughnan

MELBOURNE’S multi-million dollar Synchrotron, which produces intense beams of light one billion times brighter than the sun, has been handed a lifeline with the Federal Government taking ownership of the scientific hub.

The Clayton-based facility, which is considered one of the most important pieces of scientific infrastructure in the southern hemisphere, was jointly managed by the state and federal government but faced closure in 2012 when the two jurisdictions struggled to reach a funding agreement.

From today, ownership of the giant microscope which allows scientists to examine the basic structure of matter will been officially handed to the federally-run Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in an effort to guarantee its survival.

The Australian Synchrotron at Clayton.

Associate professor Chris McNeill’s team are examining flexible printed polymer semiconductors used for such applications as translucent solar panels or ID badges woven into clothing. Picture: Brendan Francis

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Greg Hunt said securing the future of the synchrotron ensures that Australia continues to benefit from cutting-edge research.

“The Australian Synchrotron is a nationally significant piece of science infrastructure that has supported Australian research, industry and innovation for a decade,” Mr Hunt said.

The Australian Synchrotron, one of only several dozen in the world, has been used by researchers to improve the nutritional value of crops; find traces of gold in gum leaves; create breakthrough treatments in diabetes and a world-first drug to treat people with advanced leukaemia.

Late last year the Turnbull Government committed $520 million in funding to operate the Synchrotron over the next 10 years as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

New Zealand has also invested $4.5 million to the facility over the next three years.

[e-mail]