Australian Innovation at the Speed of Light

CSIRO has announced its commitment of $5M to the Australian Synchrotron facility (AS) heralding its participation in the $206M facility as a Foundation Partner.

CSIRO's Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Garrett, said that, "CSIRO is delighted to contribute to the development of the Australian Synchrotron facility, which will be of national significance."

When completed the Australian Synchrotron will be the size of a football field and produce extremely high intensity light which scientists will use to 'see' inside molecules - which are a billion times smaller than the head of a pin.

"The Synchrotron will have unique characteristics that can be used for a wide range of experiments across all major scientific disciplines," Geoff Garrett said. "It will be particularly relevant to CSIRO's core research in biotechnology and nanotechnology, and it will have a significant impact on critical aspects of several of CSIRO's Flagship Programs".

"It will be a crucial tool, for decades to come, in making the scientific breakthroughs we need to keep Australia's economy growing. It is a 'must-have' facility, and will greatly assist the Australian research community and industry to deliver on the Federal Government's National Research Priorities."

The announcement of the first three Foundation Partners (CSIRO, Melbourne University, and Monash University) was made by Acting Victorian Premier Mr. John Brumby on the facility's construction site next to Monash University in Clayton, Victoria.

Mr Brumby congratulated the partners on their foresight and said, "These three institutions have shown great leadership in contributing towards the most significant investment in Australia's scientific infrastructure for decades."

Item provided courtesy of CSIRO