Australian scientists are set to gain access to one of the world’s most powerful synchrotrons following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Japanese SPring-8 Centre.

 

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has signed the MOU on behalf of the Australian Collaboration for Accelerator Science (ACAS), meaning that the benefits will also be available to ANSTO’s ACAS partners, Melbourne University, Australian National University and the Australian Synchrotron.

 

Under the agreement Japanese scientists will also gain access to facilities attached to Australia’s research reactor, OPAL and accompanying facilities.

 

ANSTO’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adi Paterson said the agreement demonstrates the value of pooling Australia’s top experts in accelerator science into one body known as ACAS.

 

“By bringing together Australia’s top organisations in the field of accelerator science, we are able to negotiate exciting agreements like this with top international research organisations,” Dr Paterson said.

 

“This field of research has the potential to shape the modern world. Studies into atomic structures can provide breakthroughs in biomedical research, new clean energy sources and understanding how the universe was created."

 

ANSTO is the home of Australia’s nuclear expertise, while the owner of SPring-8 is RIKEN (the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), Japan’s flagship research institution devoted to basic and applied research.

 

SPring-8 (an acronym of Super Photon Ring – 8 GeV) is a major facility that includes the synchrotron, a linear accelerator, storage ring, beam lines and attached facilities. The agreement will open up opportunities for reciprocal visits of research personnel and scholars and facilitate greater co-operation.