The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the National University of Singapore have signed an agreement to enable Singapore researchers to access ANSTO’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic attended the ceremony with Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong. Mr Husic welcomed the bilateral agreement as an opportunity to advance Australia’s and Singapore’s science and research collaboration.

“This agreement demonstrates that Australia’s strong track record in operating the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton and the Australian Synchrotron Research Program is recognised internationally,” Mr Husic said.

“As custodian of some of Australia’s most significant science infrastructure, ANSTO makes an important contribution to science outcomes across the fields of human health, energy, advanced manufacturing, food science, and the environment.”

Funded by the National Research Foundation and operated by the National University of Singapore, the five-year agreement with ANSTO is the first partnership supported by Singapore’s International Synchrotron Access initiative, under its newly launched National Synchrotron Programme.

The agreement was formally signed today at a ceremony in Canberra ahead of the 7th Singapore-Australia Leaders’ Meeting on Tuesday 18 October.

The Australian Synchrotron is one of Australia’s premier research centres, operating 10 beamlines, 24 hours a day.

The light generated from these beamlines, which can be a million times brighter than the Sun, are used to examine objects in astonishing detail right down to the molecular and atomic scale.

This world-class and innovative technology is fundamental to uncovering solutions to complex issues, from cancer detection and treatment, to tackling climate change.

By providing the access to these unique tools and techniques, and fostering collaborative partnerships with Singaporean researchers and scientists, this agreement will further drive Australia’s vibrant science sector and research capabilities.

For more information about the Australian Synchrotron, visit ansto.gov.au



Quotes attributable to Director of the Australian Synchrotron, Professor Andrew Peele:

“ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron is one of the largest and most significant standalone pieces of scientific infrastructure in the Southern Hemisphere, making groundbreaking contributions to Australia’s scientific research endeavours,” Professor Peele said.

“This new partnership will enable greater access to our world-class infrastructure and, importantly, encourage collaboration with our world-class scientists to enable essential research and deliver strong outcomes for both nations’ scientific research capabilities.”

Quotes attributable to Professor Chen Tsuhan, Deputy President (Research and Technology), National University of Singapore:

“We are delighted to partner ANSTO as our first collaborator under the International Synchrotron Access initiative. This will further strengthen and deepen the research linkages between scientists in Singapore and Australia, and bring new opportunities of joint research in areas of common interests,” Professor Chen said.

“NUS is excited to host the National Synchrotron Programme and its International Synchrotron Access initiative, which will broaden our scientists’ access to such premier research facilities, and in turn, accelerate the pace of innovation to bring about game-changing solutions that benefit society.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Jasbir Singh, Director (National Research Infrastructure), National Research Foundation, Singapore:

“Synchrotron techniques hold immense potential for advancing fundamental knowledge across various scientific fields,” Dr Singh said.

“The National Synchrotron Programme will accelerate Singapore researchers into international developments. Furthermore, its International Synchrotron Access initiative with Australia will also expand our current synchrotron capabilities.

“We are confident that the program will strengthen Singapore’s synchrotron research capabilities and nurture a pipeline of manpower and expertise to address national needs in the future.”

About ANSTO:

ANSTO is Australia’s centre of nuclear expertise. Our work saves lives, improves human health, builds industries and protects the environment. With our team of leading scientists and engineers, we apply cutting-edge technologies and techniques for the betterment of our defence, security, advanced manufacturing and health industries.

ANSTO’s strong record of nuclear stewardship has developed over almost 70 years. We put safety, security and sustainability at the core of our work, and our work in turn delivers benefits for Australian communities, companies and our health system.