The news is out. The Australian and Victorian governments have announced funding totalling $100 million for the next four years of Australian Synchrotron operations. 

The joint announcement by Senator Chris Evans (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research) and the Hon Louise Asher MLA (Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business) marks an important stage in the ongoing development of the Australian Synchrotron as a national research facility.

With some belt tightening, this funding will enable us to continue operating at our current level. We will also be able to apply for additional funding from competitive grant sources to upgrade our equipment and expand our capabilities.

Our brand-new guesthouse is now providing user accommodation. User office and corporate staff are about to move into their new premises in the National Centre for Synchrotron Science. These buildings were constructed with funding from the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund.

After months of preparation, the facility should soon be able to introduce top-up injection mode, which will improve overall beam stability for users and eliminate the need to close beamline shutters during injections. The upgraded and extended imaging and medical beamline will start accepting users later this year. We are also continuing to work closely with the synchrotron community to develop conceptual design reports for several proposed new beamlines.

In short, it’s a great time to visit us.

Keith Nugent
Director, Australian Synchrotron