Dec 01, 2010 |
University of Queensland receives $3.6 million nanotechnology infrastructure funding
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(Nanowerk News) Groundbreaking research into nanotechnology and advanced polymers will be accelerated with $3.6 million in infrastructure funding awarded to The University of Queensland (UQ) today.
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UQ was awarded funding for 10 projects under the Australian Research Council's 2011 Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme, including $720,000 for an ultra-high resolution and advanced analytical scanning electron microscope facility.
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Project leader, Professor John Drennan, from UQ's Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, said the new scanning electron microscope would allow a wider range of materials to be analysed, including nanometre sized particles and polymers.
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"The new microscope will fill a gap in scanning electron microscopy facilities in Queensland and make possible advancements in cutting-edge research into advanced polymers and nano particles," Professor Drennan said.
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"This includes research into new-generation circuitry for electronics being conducted by UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering Nanotechnology."
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The LIEF grants are aimed at facilitating infrastructure partnerships with other research organisations. Queensland University of Technology is a partner with UQ for the electron microscope grant, which will allow them to replace some equipment in their own microscopy facility.
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UQ's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Max Lu congratulated UQ researchers who had received infrastructure grants - the second largest share of the $30 million awarded to institutions across Australia.
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"These grants will allow the development of essential infrastructure and facilities that will benefit research conducted at UQ for many years to come," Professor Lu said.
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"The grants also reflect the strong partnerships that UQ has with other research organisations around Australia to further important research and innovation."
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