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.
