Next stage for research facility at Curtin

Stage two of the John de Laeter Centre of Mass Spectrometry at Curtin University of Technology has been lauched by Fran Logan, Minister for Energy, Science and Innovation.

"We conduct industry-focused research in key areas such as mineral and energy resources, climate change, sustainable use of groundwater resources and biotechnology, all of which have direct benefits for the well being of the state," chair of the Centre's Board, Dr Jim Ross said.

The Centre, which opened in 1999, has been involved in a wide range of research projects including the evolution of the early earth and its atmosphere, the causes of mass extinctions, forensic science, isotope science and archaeology.

As part of the stage two development of the Centre, Professor Mike McWilliams has been appointed its first full-time director.

He has experience as a consultant to mining, petroleum and technology companies, universities, government research agencies and international scientific organisations.

"This stage two development will enable us to enhance our existing strengths and capitalise on new research needs," McWilliams said.

"With this stage two funding we will be adding new equipment to the Centre which will give it arguably the most versatile and powerful range of this kind of instrumentation anywhere in the world."