Former ANFF-VIC Council Chair, Dr Cathy Foley named Australia’s new Chief Scientist

The ANFF Victorian node wishes to congratulate Dr Cathy Foley, former Chair of the ANFF-VIC Council, for being named as Australia’s new Chief Scientist.

“… Dr Foley’s research is in the field of solid-state physics and its applications, combining quantum physics, material science and research translation. Her remarkable career achievements have allowed Dr Foley to advance all areas of STEM nationally and internationally. Dr Foley’s appointment as Chief Scientist follows her election as a Fellow of the Academy earlier this year, for her outstanding contributions to science.”

“Having been lucky enough to see Cathy’s work ethic and drive to support science first hand, I can see that she will make a fantastic Chief Scientist that will champion the Australian research. I share my deepest congratulations to Cathy on this thoroughly deserved appointment.” said ANFF-VIC Director, Prof Nico Voelcker.

Full story available at ANFF.org.au

Formal announcement from the Australian Academy of Science, here.

MCN features heavily in new ACOLA report

A recent report commissioned by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples and published (Sept 2020) by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) identified MCN as being exemplary research infrastructure key to driving the creation of new Victorian research, jobs and investment.

More details and links to official ACOLA report here.

 

 

!!!EVENT POSTPONED!!! Enabled by ANFF Research Showcase: Call for Abstracts

ATTENTION: Due to escalating COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, this EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED to 18-20th May 2021

ANFF is aiming to hold an event in Melbourne on 11 November 2020 that will highlight the exciting ANFF-enabled research being conducted across the country. This Showcase will be themed on the title Enabled by ANFF, and will complement separate staff- and industry-focused days.

The network is seeking speakers to present at this event across 6 research topics regarded as national priorities. These are:

Construction Science — New and novel technologies to enhance construction materials and buildings of the future.

MedTech — Developments in medical technologies that will help form Australia’s economic future.

Space — Furthering the technologies designed to aid space exploration, or to view Earth from high above.

Communications tech and Cybersecurity — An overview of research that is improving the transmission or security of communication and data.

Energy — Improving the energy outlook via new technologies or increasing the efficiencies of established ones.

Food and Agribusiness — Uses of technology to improve the quality of food , or to help produce it.

If you have conducted exceptional research that falls under any of these categories and would like to present it to the ANFF community, please complete an abstract submission form  and send it to Tom Eddershaw (tom.eddershaw@anff.org.au) before 30 August 2020.

If you would like to attend the event, please register here. A draft program can be found on this page.

Please note: With the COVID-19 situation developing as it is, there are provisions to take this event online if it is unsafe for us to meet in person.

Appointment of MCN Infrastructure and OHS Manager

Michael Imsic has been announced as the Infrastructure and OHS Manager for ANFF-VIC’s flagship facility, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, commencing 25th June 2020.

Michael is joining the ANFF community from La Trobe’s Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) where he has accumulated a wealth of experience managing scientific infrastructure for almost a decade.

His primary role will involve the management of the MCN’s core laboratory operations, facility infrastructure and OHS practice, as well as being vital to the planning, installation and commissioning of new equipment, capital works, refurbishments, and upgrades.

On his appointment, Michael said: “I am very excited to be joining MCN and the ANFF team, having been aware of the exciting things happening around research infrastructure through NCRIS for some time now. I look forward to what we will achieve in the coming years.”

Professor Nico Voelcker, ANFF-VIC Director, said: “It was a difficult task to find someone that suited this complex role which is pivotal to the future success of MCN and ANFF-Victoria. I am however, pleased to announce that we have found that someone, and that Michael is the perfect person to guide us as we implement our plans for growth. I believe I speak for the entire ANFF-VIC Node when I say, it’s great to have Michael on board.”

As a welcome addition to ANFF’s network of Facility Managers, Michael will also be working closely with his equivalents at ANFF’s other nodes to help ensure excellence across the network.

Dr Jane Fitzpatrick, ANFF COO, said: “We are delighted to welcome a new member to our national network, and look forward to introducing Michael to our group of nationwide Facility Managers. This group forms the backbone of the success of ANFF and Michael will be a great addition to our team.”

“We are at an exciting time of growth – Michael’s experience and fresh insight will be invaluable as we endeavour to expand our support of Australia’s research and engineering communities,” Jane added.

Webinar announced – Latest advances in SEM and FIB by Thermofisher co-hosted by MCN

Thermofisher (formerly FEI) will be presenting a webinar on their latest advances in SEM and FIB co-hosted by MCN on the 6th of May 2020 from 9 am to 11 am AEDT.

The presentation will focus on Thermofisher’s newest SEM and FIB tools with an emphasis on semiconductor and nanofabrication applications.

Join us online on the 6th of May 2020 from 9 am to 11 am AEDT to discuss Dual Beam technology with both 2D and 3D imaging and microanalysis capability.

To join this Webinar, follow the instructions here.

Join MCN- Infrastructure and OHS Manager role now available

MCN is currently seeking an experienced Infrastructure and OHS Manager in a key leadership role to manage the high-level functions of the complex nanofabrication facility, optimise core laboratory operations, ensure adherence to a high standard of safety and risk mitigation and to lead processes for equipment procurement and capital works.

Read the full position description and apply here 

Application window closes, Friday 13 March 2020 11:55 pm AEDT

ANFF Seminars: CFD simulation and modelling

 

Register here

 

ANFF SA’s simulation expert, Dr Moein Kashani will be presenting a seminar and webinar on simulation techniques for modelling fluid dynamics on 19 March 2020.

The talk will focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation (CFD), a concept that can be applied to all transfer phenomena, including: fluid flow in microfluidics, microfluidic mixing, heat and mass transfer, molecular diffusion, cell separation, purification, multi-phase flow and electrical behaviour in semiconductors.

Follow online, or attend the seminar at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication to learn about the benefits that simulation can bring to your process flows.

Tickets for physical attendance are limited, but the event will also be broadcast online for those that can’t be here in person.

Click here for more information.

 

Monash secures more than $3.9 million to build on world-class infrastructure for transformative research

A recently successful LIEF bid led by Monash researcher and ANFF-VIC Technology Ambassador, Dr Victor Cadarso will establish a state of the art 3D nanofabrication capability at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication. Details below.

Source: Mirage News, 17th January 2020

An Australian-first 3D nanofabrication printer and a next generation electron detector for our world-leading cryo-electron microscopy facility are among the Monash proposals funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme… Today’s announcement of LIEF funding will strengthen the Monash technology precinct’s standing as a world leader in nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology, as home to the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication – the Victorian headquarters of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, and a thriving network of biotech and medical device companies.”

Full article here.

MCN private residency packages coming soon

Beginning in 2020, MCN users who have purchased full-time residency packages will have the option of a secure, private office space to host their activity. The space will have keyed entry, secure storage and will be able to host up to four full-time residents.

Private residencies will be available at a 10% premium compared to standard full-time residency rates. A minimum 12 month commitment applies. For details, see the ANFF-VIC Access & Pricing Schedule.

Interested parties should contact mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com

New $35m Centre Of Excellence Underpinned By ANFF Support

ANFF and its headquarters, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, have been named as partner organisations in a new $34.9 million research centre focused on developing novel optical technologies.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) was announced by Minister for Education Dan Tehan on 11 October 2019.

TMOS will undertake cutting-edge research in light interaction with nanomaterials, harnessing the emerging science of Meta-optics, a class of optical technologies which use nanostructured materials to generate, manipulate, and detect light.

See official press release here.