The University of Sydney has officially launched a new Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis node in the Engineering and Technology Precinct, expanding its Core Research Facilities with cutting-edge instrumentation to support interdisciplinary research across engineering, science and biomedicine.
Split across two levels, the facility houses complementary Atomic Force Microscopes tailored for both biomedical and materials science applications, an advanced analytical Scanning Electron Microscope and a High Resolution Plasma FIB system. Notably, many of these instruments represent the first of their kind in Australia.
A strategic partnership with Bruker - world leading manufacturer of analytical instruments and diagnostic solutions - has been critical in enabling the development of several of these new capabilities.
The new node is designed to support high-impact research in areas such as nanomedicine and biomedical engineering, materials science, quantum technologies, semiconductor research and the development of renewable technologies.
It enables researchers to investigate biological and material samples at unprecedented resolution, opening new avenues for early disease detection, advanced biomaterials development and precision manufacturing.
Importantly, the facility operates under Microscopy Australia's open access policy, meaning researchers from across the country and around the globe can apply to use the equipment. This national accessibility reinforces the University's role as a hub for collaborative research and innovation within academia and also with industry partners.
Supporting research and industry
Researchers from multiple faculties across the University, including Engineering , Science , and Medicine and Health , are already in line to use the new facilities. It is expected to accelerate research outcomes with real-world applications in health, manufacturing and sustainability.
Dr David Martinez Martin from the Faculty of Engineering will be among the researchers to use the new facilities, in addition to his role as Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis' Deputy Director.
His work has been instrumental in advancing atomic force microscopy (AFM) technologies and expanding their applications in different fields. He started collaborating with Bruker's team over a decade ago to push the limits of these technologies. As the driving force behind the development of the University of Sydney's new cutting-edge microscopy capabilities and the strategic partnership with Bruker, Dr Martinez Martin has helped position the University at the forefront of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
"These achievements have been made possible through a collaborative effort, with key contributions from colleagues at Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis and many others across the University, whose expertise and support were essential in bringing these capabilities to life." said Dr Martinez Martin.
Dr Martinez Martin is also globally recognised for being the principal inventor of the inertial picobalance, a commercial technology that enables real-time tracking of live cell mass dynamics over timescales ranging from milliseconds to days.
Cell mass regulation is a fundamental process that remains poorly understood, yet its dysregulation is linked to a wide range of disorders including cancer, hypertrophy, diabetes, obesity, and aging. Using his picobalance technology, Dr Martinez Martin has made impactful contributions to our understanding of cell mass regulation, identifying critical behaviours in both mammalian and yeast cells such as the discovery of mass fluctuations in living cells, fundamentally challenging long-standing models in cell biology.
These new capabilities will also boost Dr Martinez Martin's research. Plasma FIB will support the development of more powerful picobalance mass sensors, enhancing their application and performance. Meanwhile, the bio-atomic force microscopes will be critical to explore the links between tissues' nanomechanical properties and disease.
Other users of the facilities include Professor Tony Weiss 's lab, who are developing new biomaterials to improve patient healing after surgery , and Associate Professor Markus Müllner 's lab, who are designing new injectable gels that could deliver targeted medications and reduce the need for invasive surgical operations .
"This new facility is testament to the University's commitment to investing in world-class infrastructure that empowers researchers to tackle complex challenges for the public good," said Professor Simon Ringer , Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure). "These Australian-first tools will unlock new discoveries that will benefit all Australians and attract researchers from around the country."
Professor Julie Cairney , Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), added: "By partnering with industry leaders like Bruker, we're ensuring our researchers have access to the best tools available. This node strengthens the University of Sydney's position as a national and global destination for research excellence and talent."
The launch of the new facility on Tuesday was followed by a keynote by Professor Toshio Ando from Kanazawa University , Japan, an internationally recognised leader and pioneer of High-Speed AFM, highlighting the new opportunities this facility creates.
Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis Deputy Director, Dr David Martinez Martin. Image credit: University of Sydney / Stefanie Zingsheim
Image credit: University of Sydney / Stefanie Zingsheim
