In the aftermath of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, the Victorian Government’s Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister, the Hon Louise Asher has pledged her support and the support of the Victorian Government to Japanese Scientists and students.

Under a memorandum of understanding, the Australian Synchrotron, located in Clayton Melbourne, will make its facility available not only to any Japanese scientist but to Japanese student needing beamtime.

The Japanese Photon Factory, which was significantly damaged by the earthquake will take some months to repair and leaves many scientists and students with little or no access to synchrotron facilities.

Under the Australian/Japanese agreement, Japanese scientists and students will be able to continue their work at the Australian Synchrotron. In an announcement made yesterday, Minister Asher said Victoria had close ties with the Japanese Science community. The Director of the Photon Factory is currently a member of the Australian Synchrotron’s Science Advisory Committee.

Minister Asher said Victoria greatly appreciated the support of the Japanese scientific community and would provide whatever support was needed to Japanese scientists and students during what is an extremely difficult time for the Photon Factory and Japanese people.

Anyone wanting to apply for access to the Australian Synchrotron’s beamlines should contact the Head of Beamline Science and Operations, Dr David Cookson on +613 8540 4101.

"Victoria has greatly appreciated the support of the Japanese scientific community and we are pleased to be able to provide support in these difficult circumstances," Ms Asher said.

Australian Synchrotron Director Professor Keith Nugent said the Australian Synchrotron and the Photon Factory have a Memorandum of Understanding to support collaborative scientific research.

"The international synchrotron community is a tightly connected network – many Japanese scientists have contributed to building the Australian Synchrotron, and it’s fitting that we support our colleagues in Japan in their time of need," Professor Nugent said.

Japanese students interested in accessing this offer can apply online through StudyMelbourne (www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/synchrotron) and Japanese scientists can apply through the Australian Synchrotron (archive.synchrotron.org.au).