Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Kiwi scientists secure preferential access to Synchrotron

Hon Steven Joyce

Minister of Science and Innovation


11 February 2016

Media Statement

Kiwi scientists secure preferential access to Synchrotron

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today announced a three-year investment of $2.8 million in the Australian Synchrotron, the largest piece of scientific infrastructure in the Southern Hemisphere, to secure preferential access for Kiwi scientists.

The Synchrotron is a source of intense light ranging from infra-red to hard x-rays, and is used for a variety of research purposes. The Government funding, along with co-investment from NZ research organisations, will support the operating costs of the leading-edge research facility.

“New Zealand has invested A$13.5 million into the Synchrotron since it began operations in 2007, in what is an excellent example of trans-Tasman cooperation and international scientific collaboration,” Mr Joyce says.

"New Zealand scientists have been enthusiastic adopters of Synchrotron science. This renewed investment ensures they will have preferential access to the latest technology. Synchrotron science plays an important role in supporting New Zealand’s science capability. It has applications across a wide range of scientific disciplines highly relevant to us.

“We’re seeing more rapid and precise investigation of biological structures, diseases and medicine. Techniques that previously took up to 5 days can be achieved in 10-20 minutes using advanced synchrotron techniques.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Scientists at the University of Canterbury have used the synchrotron to assess the feasibility of drilling into magma for geothermal power generation, and a Waikato University team has developed a process to decolour and de-odourise bloodmeal before converting it into a plastic.

The Australian Synchrotron, located next to Monash University in Melbourne, is one of two synchrotrons in the Southern Hemisphere.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.