Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces details of the National Innovation and Science Agenda, with Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Christopher Pyne at CSIRO in Canberra today.
A $520 million, ten-year investment in operations will allow the Australian Synchrotron to further empower Australian researchers and industry to problem solve and innovate, with the Federal Government today announcing new funding for the landmark facility through the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Speaking from Canberra at the release of the National Innovation and Science Agenda, Professor Andrew Peele, Director of the Synchrotron, said the long-term security will have dual benefits for the facility, the only one of its kind in Australia.
‘For many years now, securing ongoing funding has been a priority focus and has held us back from being able to put long-term plans in place.
‘Operational funding on this scale gives us the room we need to grow, to seek new partnerships, and to expand our beamline infrastructure to increase both the capacity and capability of the synchrotron.
‘This will make the Australian Synchrotron not only a formidable science facility, but a true research hub,’ he said.
Professor Peele said the announcement speaks volumes of ANSTO’s experience and expertise in operating landmark research infrastructure.
‘In adding this cutting-edge facility to ANSTO’s world-class line up of research platforms, the Federal Government recognises the importance of the Synchrotron to Australian research.’
Professor Peele acknowledged the ongoing support the facility has received from the research community and governments, including the Victorian Government, which was the driving force behind the synchrotron’s construction.
‘We will, of course, remain based within Victoria and I thank the Victorian Government for its incredible support – taking this from a concept to one of the most productive and effective synchrotron facilities in the world; with this announcement we can now repay that support by cementing the place of the Australian Synchrotron as one of the truly great national research facilities.’