Australian nanotechnology scientists to help US Defense Force research agencies in solving tough challenges
The Hon Kim Beazley, AC (centre) at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. with (from left) Dr Cathy Foley (Chief, CSIRO Division of Materials Science and Engineering), Ms Rosie Hicks (CEO, Australian National Fabrication Facility), Dr Paul Dastoor (Professor in Physics, University of Newcastle) and Dr David Officer (Professor in Materials Science, University of Wollongong).
The Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Australia’s ambassador to the United States of America welcomed more than 30 of Australia’s leading nanotechnology researchers to Washington D.C. The delegation was in Washington for a week-long review program with US defense force research agencies.
The Australian delegation joined their US counterparts and heavyweights in the world of scientific research from: the US Air Force, Navy, Army, NASA, National Institutes of Health, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Science Foundation.
The discussions were organised jointly between the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) and the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The Australian contingent included representatives from 17 of Australia’s universities.
Mr Beazley stated that “for Australian scientists, international collaboration has always been vital. We have some unique capabilities and some of the smartest people in the world. But the truth is that no country - not even one the size of the United States - can be self-sufficient in science in the 21st century.”
Emeritus Professor Chris Fell, Chair of the ANFF stated “I am very pleased that we have continued to build upon this relationship through ANFF and that we are on our way to developing a strong framework that delivers Australian research expertise in collaboration with a research powerhouse such as the United Stated Defense forces. This reflects the high calibre of our researchers and the value of the world-class infrastructure that ANFF has put in place to support nanotechnology research in Australia” he said.
During the program both Australian and US researchers shared ideas and expertise on a wide range of nanotechnology topics including high-temperature and light-weight materials, smart sensing, nanoelectronics and data management. The joint program will continue with a further exchange of personnel to come later in the year to focus on specific project areas.
The meeting was a follow up to an Australian event in July 2011 which established expressions of interest for cross-pacific collaborations by a high profile US delegation.
Mr Beazley congratulated ANFF for “bringing together an amazing group of talented Australian scientists to meet with their American counterparts” and added that he “looked forward to seeing these scientists working together, taking advantage of Australia's world class nanofabrication facilities to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges."
Contact: Rosie Hicks
Chief Executive Officer
Australian National Fabrication Facility
P: +61 (0) 438 454 077
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7th May 2012