Magnetic resonance network in Queensland

A magnetic resonance network has been established in Queensland to provide researchers with high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment, including a 900 MHz high-resolution spectrometer " the most powerful of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The A$17 million Queensland Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Network (QNN) would place Queensland at the forefront of international research in structural biology, biodiscovery and animal neuroscience, according to it inaugural director, Professor Ian Brereton from the University of Queensland (UQ).

He explained that NMR was a key technology for determining the structure of molecules and visualising the anatomy of living tissue and microscopic structure.

"The 900 MHz spectrometer has the highest field strength of any machine in Australia or the southern hemisphere, and is also the most powerful commercially available machine of its type in the world," said Professor Brereton. "The facilities will allow researchers from universities, institutes and companies to carry out cutting edge research in a broad range of fields."

The Queensland State Government recently announced it would contribute A$5 million to the QNN as part of its Smart State strategy. The funding would be used to purchase the 900 MHz spectrometer at the UQ, a 400 MHz instrument at the Queensland University of Technology and enhance an existing 600 MHz instrument at Griffith University.

Deputy vice chancellor (Research) at the UQ, Professor David Siddle said the Smart State funding represented the Queensland government's recognition of the importance of maintaining the State's research infrastructure at world-class levels to enable continuing excellence in biological research and in biotechnology.

"The QNN will be a unique resource in Australia and will attract national and international researchers to establish Queensland as a central hub for NMR spectroscopy research in Australia," he said.

QNN participants include the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Central Queensland as well as biotech companies Spin Systems, Xenome, Kathera, Cyclagen and Protagonist.

International links to New Zealand have also been established with the participation of the University of Auckland and Massey University.