Nano centre to give Aussie uni 21st century cutting edge

The University of Melbourne has moved to position itself at the forefront of nanoscience and nanotechnology research - the 21st century frontier domain of microscopically small designer particles and devices.

The strategic initiative establishes a University of Melbourne Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNST) to consolidate and promote the University's multidisciplinary nanoscience-related research.

The Centre links internationally recognised research groups in three faculties - Science; Engineering; and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences - as well as the University's new Bio21 Institute. The CNST harnesses core research strengths that are central to advances in areas such as wide band gap semiconductors, new ways to fight cancer and infectious diseases, the revolutionary quantum computer and devices constructed from single atoms and nanoengineered particles.

CNST research and development will be based broadly in three domains - nanoelectronics, nano-optics, and nanobiotechnology, where strong ties exist with the Bio21 Institute.

A key role of the Centre is to foster convergences in science and engineering to enhance Melbourne's international competitiveness in developing nano-domain applications for the biosciences, biotechnology and nanoparticle-based medicines and medical diagnostics.

Major benefits will flow to maintaining academic excellence in these new fields, with the CNST providing central coordination of expensive, cutting-edge research and facilities and working to maximise opportunities for external funding.

The Centre will operate also to attract nanoscientists and nanotechnologists of the highest calibre to work at Melbourne by promoting the University's critical mass of nano-domain knowledge, expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Leading the new Centre are Professor Frank Caruso (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), Professor Steven Prawer (Physics) and Associate Professor Paul Mulvaney (Chemistry).

Prof. Caruso says a multidisciplinary skills base is essential to world-class nanoscience and nanotechnology and to gaining funding from bodies that favour clusters and institutes with a cohesive multiplatform approach.

Item provided courtesy of The University of Melbourne