Research infrastructure
From the exciting realms of new digital data platforms, to life-changing advances in the environmental and health fields, UWA’s game-changing facilities provide a springboard for the smartest minds to network, challenge thinking, and pursue research breakthroughs.
Our flagship projects and equipment have the capability to transform research projects and deliver significant outcomes.
Digital Humanities, Digital Data and eResearch
This is a dynamic, emerging discipline for students and researchers working with digital technology across the humanities and social sciences. Using UWA’s infrastructure, researchers apply digital methods to cultural objects and analyses. Students are also enabled to apply critical thinking to our ever-evolving digital world.
Microscopy and Characterisation
Technologies in advanced microscopy and microanalysis underpin modern science, medicine, engineering and industrial innovation. Our electron, ion, light imaging, and microanalysis facilities are world-class and feature a unique ion probe facility and MRI facility. We provide support from initial project planning, through to application of cutting-edge techniques, and data interpretation.
Engineering and Advanced Fabrication and Manufacturing
Australia’s world-leading research in nano-electronics, advanced materials, and photonics, is only possible with access to cutting-edge fabrication infrastructure. At UWA, we offer a range of diverse applications, including advanced sensing, communications, quantum computing, energy capture and storage, new medical treatments, diagnostics, and disease prevention.
Advanced Physics and Astronomy
For Australia to maintain our edge in areas like quantum computing, non-invasive scanning, and additive manufacturing, we need advanced physics capabilities to develop the next generation of instrumentation.
Discoveries and application in advanced physics will provide novel approaches to geophysics problems and enable new mineral discoveries.
Marine, Earth, and Environmental Systems
Adapting to climate change while ensuring sustainable growth, relies on predicting the impacts on our environment so we can efficiently manage our continent, atmosphere, and surrounding oceans.
Our capabilities to enhance and integrate observational research infrastructure with predictive modelling strengthens our proficiencies in environmental management, risk assessments, primary production, and resource development, while also sustaining biodiversity.
Complex Biology
UWA is developing robust scientific infrastructure across the four technology platforms: genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics, with the help of the NCRIS network and our state partners.
The efficiencies of scale and increased opportunities for interdisciplinary research will ensure WA continues to lead the field in human, agricultural, and environmental genetics.
Health Sciences and Therapeutic Development
Important breakthroughs in life-changing medicine, including medical devices, vaccines and cell therapies, are accelerated by infrastructure that combines technology, research and medical science.
UWA's infrastructure and expertise in this field is world-class and we're committed to help advance medical research and facilitate further developments in vital medicines.
Bioresources and Agriculture
UWA hosts a range of substantial bioresources for plant and environmental-based research. With extensive on-campus glass housing, broad-acre and natural bushland reserves, farmland, and vineyards, plus innovative research infrastructure projects like the Future Farm 2050.
UWA is committed to the highest standards in laboratory animal care and welfare. Our researchers perform at the highest level, whilst remaining fully compliant with regulatory obligations.
NCRIS and UWA
NCRIS is a national network of world-class research infrastructure projects that support high-quality research that will drive greater innovation in the Australian research sector and the economy more broadly. NCRIS projects support strategically important infrastructure for national research priorities by providing facilities and support to enable Australian researchers to address key national and global challenges.
UWA is a partner in twelve of these national infrastructure projects, and leading one:
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AINSE
AINSE provides pathways and networks for collaboration within nuclear science, engineering and related research fields both nationally and internationally. UWA students and researchers have access to a suite of AINSE undergraduate education schools and scholarships for honours students, postgraduate students, and early career researchers. These programs facilitate effective collaboration between AINSE members, including UWA, and ANSTO.
Rob Atkin is the UWA ANSIE councillor. Rob has used scattering techniques for more than 15 years to study soft materials and liquid structures. He has published papers based on data from small angle neutron and x-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS), neutron and x-ray reflectivity, and neutron diffraction. UWA staff interested in using radiation scattering methods can contact Rob for advice on experiment design and beam time applications.
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ANSTO
ANSTO houses a number of instruments/facilities, including the Australian Synchrotron. The Australian Synchrotron is an facility situated in Melbourne and used for physical analysis of materials and biological samples. Bright light generated by the synchrotron is filtered into hard or soft X-rays, infrared or terahertz light, and provided to beamlines where specific spectroscopy, diffraction and imaging methods are applied.
Access to the Australian Synchrotron is by peer-reviewed application three times per year, and the shipping, travel and accommodation costs for successful UWA applicants are reimbursed by the Synchrotron. Details of user access can be found here, or feel free to contact Charlie Bond (general queries) or any of the people listed below for technique-specific questions.
Key UWA Synchrotron contacts:
- Charlie Bond
- Member, Australian Synchrotron BRiGHT Scientific Advisory Committee; Chair, MX3 Beamline Advisory Panel.
- User of Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) and Small-angle X-ray Scattering (SAXSWAXS) beamlines.
- Structural Biology of Gene Regulation. e.g. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa262
- Alice Vrielink
- Member, Australian Synchrotron Stakeholder Committee; Co-Chair, Crystallography Program Advisory Committee.
- User of MX and SAXSWAXS beamlines.
- Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins involved in Bacterial Virulence and Pathogenesis. e.g. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1612927114
- Talitha Santini
- Member, User Advisory Committee; Chair, Powder Diffraction (PD) Program Advisory Committee.
- User of PD beamline.
- Environmental and Industrial Mineralogy: Soil Science, Environmental Science, Mineral Processing, and Geomicrobiology. E.g. https://doi.org/10.3390/met5031241
- Ingrid Ward
- User of Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) and Infra-red Microscopy (IRM) beamline.
- Archaeology. e.g. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.05.005
- Gia Parish
- User of Soft-Xray (SXR) beamline.
- Chemical sensors. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.07.002
- Jeremy Shaw
- User of X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM) beamline.
- Biological elemental analysis, 3D X-ray Computed Tomography structural characterisation in biological, geological and material samples e.g. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.11.032
- Charlie Bond
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Astronomy Australia Ltd
Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL) supports a range of projects to ensure that Australian astronomers stay internationally competitive and have access to the best astronomical research infrastructure.
AAL is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. AAL supports Australian astronomers by:
- providing Australia's astronomers with access to major international optical/infrared observatories to remain at the forefront of the discipline;
- supporting the development and operations of new advanced instruments for current and next-generation optical and infrared telescopes, and powerful new radio survey telescopes that will facilitate Australia's key role in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project;
- developing new High Performance Computing facilities and managing the allocation of time on national supercomputing resources for theoretical astrophysics applications and large-volume data processing; and
- advancing a long term vision to create a Federation of National Astronomy Datasets that will give astronomers widespread access to radio, optical and theoretical data, to facilitate data-intensive research in astronomy and astrophysics.
AAL also engages with the Australian astronomy community to advance the national research infrastructure priorities of the Australian Astronomy Decadal Plan and advises the Government on future investments in national astronomical research infrastructure.
AAL is providing key elements of national radio and optical astronomy infrastructure and developing eResearch infrastructure to manage astronomical and astrophysical data.
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Australian Plant Phenomics NetworkAPPN’s new network of controlled environment phenotyping facilities, mobile phenotyping units and field sites is strategically spread across Australia’s diverse climate zones and involves nine renowned plant research organisations nationwide.
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AuScope
AuScope aims to build world class infrastructure to assist Australian researchers in monitoring and understanding the structure and evolution of the Australian Continent with greater accuracy and the ability to access data in a seamless, cost effective manner. The program creates a unique integrated approach to earth science and geospatial research through investments in technology, data and knowledge infrastructure; and by bringing together government, academia and industry in collaborative partnerships.
The major data acquisition infrastructure includes six components that interrelate with the aim of creating the AuScope Earth Model:
- AuScope Grid
- Geospatial Framework and Earth Dynamics
- National Virtual Core Library (NVCL)
- Earth Imaging and Structure
- Simulation Analysis and Modelling (SAM)
- Earth Composition and Evolution
The Cameca IMS 1280 Secondary Ion Microprobe is a $7 million microanalytical research facility, which was fully commissioned in 2010 at the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis (CMCA) at the University of Western Australia and is unique in its ability to measure in situ stable isotopes at the microscale.
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Australian National Fabrication Facility
The ANFF enables users to process or manipulate hard materials (such as metal, semiconductors and ceramics) and soft materials (such as polymers) and transform these into structures that have application in sensors, pharmaceutical and medical devices and nano-electronics.
The technologies available at the ANFF lies in between conventional ‘millimetre’ scale processing technologies that use standard tooling methods, and atomic or molecular scale technologies.
Project deliverables
The ANFF is made up of eight specialised nodes (or facilities), with direct involvement of more than 19 research institutions, including CSIRO, and supported by the Commonwealth and four state governments (NSW, QLD, VIC and SA).
The facility provides users with access to state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, including tools for:
- rapid prototyping of bio-nano devices
- deposition of metals
- testing of devices
- the generation of a variety of materials at atomic scale in presence of reactive.
Each node offers the capabilities of a complete stream from initial design to materials synthesis or preparing, patterning, manipulation or lithography steps, through to complete device fabrication, testing, proof of concept and prototyping.
The eight nodes specialise in different aspects of fabrication ranging from microfluidics, semiconductor optoelectronics and laser machining.
Access
NFF nodes across Australia are accessible to all researchers at a low cost and on the basis of merit.
Participating organisations
ANFF is comprised of 8 nodes across 21 institutions throughout Australia. These include:
- The University of Adelaide
- The Australian National University
- Bandwidth Foundry
- CSIRO
- Deakin University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- Macquarie University
- The University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
- RMIT University
- UniSA
- Swinburne University
- The University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- LA Trobe University
- The University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
ANFF-WA
The ANFF-WA Node, at the University of Western Australia, supports research in the area of advanced microelectronic, optoelectronic, and photonic materials, devices and systems. ANFF-WA attracts significant usage by industry and international users.
The two flagship capabilities within the WA node of ANFF national infrastructure include:
- infrared (IR) materials and detector technologies, and
- microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based sensors.
These strengths are unique in Australia and of international excellence. In particular, the synergy between the two flagships providing optical MEMS-based infrared sensing technologies for spectroscopy and/or imaging is at the forefront of international research, leading not only renowned university labs, but also research labs of major aerospace & defence industry players, including military/government contractors. As such, the node attracts significant attention from Australian-based and global industry. This is directly driving the node’s relevance and alignment with the new capability in the ANFF’s response to the NCRIS Roadmap Issues paper, referred to as “Translational Science and Engineering” and aimed at taking science out of the lab and generating commercial impact. The node’s research thrust is directed at novel IR detector concepts with new enabling capabilities, aimed at solving the main hurdles currently facing the present “state-of-the-art” IR technologies. Significantly, the node’s research strategy includes alignment with industry relevant scalability and integration, extending the on-chip MEMS research from the micro-nano scale into the milli-and centi- metre scales, and towards integration and connectivity with real-world sensors, device modules, and systems for everyday real world applications.
The research strategy of the WA node for the next 5 years aims at achieving the realisation of room temperature operation combined with low-cost solutions for IR sensing at ultimate performance levels. The associated technological and economic impact will allow IR sensors that are currently only within the reach of players that have the capability to pay for bulky and prohibitively expensive airborne hyperspectral imaging systems, to be miniaturised and sufficiently low-cost to be deployed on field-portable platforms as widespread as a common smartphone or in the burgeoning UAV industry. Of utmost importance will be novel solutions for addressing issues of high sensor cost and low yield, requiring material defect reduction and scale-up to large substrates, raising the need for investment in a dual-chamber Molecular Beam Epitaxy capability for growth of novel device architectures incorporating both II-VI and III-V semiconductor materials, superlattices, and novel device concepts. This opens new avenues for investigation of unexplored physics of superlattices and interfaces in IR material systems, where the research at the WA node is of acclaimed international excellence and leading the international thrust in this area.
A significant strength of the WA node is engagement with industry, in particular facility access by multiple large ARC Linkage Projects with Australian and international partners is a major factor in facility access hours and infrastructure utilisation. Increasingly, our industry partners are requesting access to modern packaging and integration capabilities, however, the node is struggling to meet this demand. Investment is needed to close this shortfall in research translation in alignment with the Translational Science and Engineering capability proposed in the ANFF’s response to the recent NCRIS Issues paper. Capital investment in wire bonding, flip chip bonding, wafer bonding, packaging, and testing equipment is essential along with funding dedicated to supporting staff. Closing this gap at the WA node, simultaneously addresses the identified weakness of the node, in terms of limited utilisation of the facility by non-UWA external Australian university users. Recently the node has experienced increased requests from this group for access to packaging and characterisation, and user growth would be expected following any capital upgrade.
The table below provides a most succinct summary on the current capabilities and the outlook for the near future.
Challenge Current Capabilities Node outlook Low-cost, room operating temperature IR sensing technologies with ultimate performance levels - II-VI semiconductor Molecular Beam Epixaty
- (MBE)InHg doped n-type HgCdTe
- AsTe & VHg doped p-type HgCdTe
- II-VI multi/superlattice structures
- modelling capabilities
- IR device processing
- small 8×8 IR imaging arrays
- dual-chamber III-V/II-VI MBE towards novel in-situ III-V substrates and buffers for II-VI absorbing layers, novel device architectures, defect mitigation strategies, and growth on alternative substrates (GaSb, GaAs, Si)
- equipment for processing, flip-chip bonding, integration and characterisation of large area Focal Plane Arrays (incl. Avalanche Photodiode Arrays)
On-chip & real-time reconfigurable multi-function sensing – many sensor modalities combined into one adaptive day/night electro-optic sensor - fabrication of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
- MEMS modelling capabilities
- MEMS device processing
- MEMS characterisation
- on-chip IR optical filters towards spectroscopy and imaging
- alignment with Translational Science and Engineering capability – ALD, df-PECVD/ICPRIE, DRIE, vapour HF & XeF2 etching
- MEMS packaging, wire/wafer/flip-chip bonding, integration, and testing
- MEMS chemo-mechanical planarization
Contact: Assoc/Prof Mariusz Martyniuk ([email protected])
Acknowledgement of support for this NCRIS capability in WA:
More information
The WA Node facility, hosted at the Western Australian Centre for Semiconductor Opto-electronics and Microsystems (WACSOM), is a fully equipped semiconductor fabrication facility that is internationally recognised for supporting both state-of-the-art research and proof of concept development for industry. The WA Node provides expertise in, and access to, state-of-the-art fabrication of optical micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and infrared sensor technology.
This capability includes II-VI semiconductor growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and clean room micro/nano fabrication facilities (ICP/RIE, thin film deposition, etching, optical lithography, wire bonding and packaging) for the fabrication of nano/micro electro-mechanical systems. Fabrication of MEMS brings together modified semiconductor fabrication techniques, such as MBE, combined with micro-machining to produce these devices.
Applications of the technology include the automotive industry, defence, and communications.
Areas of expertise
- Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) technology for infrared detectors
- Novel, ultra low temperature MEMS technologies
- Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for high performance electronics and ultraviolet detectors
- Atmospheric propagation of IR and UV for image correction and atmospheric studies
- Electro-optic systems design including thermal and optical design
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Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)
The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is a transformational initiative that enables the Australian research community and industry access to nationally significant, leading edge data intensive eInfrastructure, platforms, skills and collections of high-quality data.
ARDC has five strategic themes that support the development of a nationally coordinated resource for Australian researchers:
- Coordination and coherence: Facilitating an Australian research data commons;
- People and policy: Transforming culture and community;
- Data and services: Maximising the value of Australia’s data assets;
- Software and platforms: Enabling research insights and supporting collaboration; and
- Storage and compute: Providing foundation infrastructure.
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Bioplatforms Australia
BPA provides services and scientific infrastructure in the specialist fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics.
It supports Australian life science research with crucial investments in state-of-the-art technologies and cutting edge expertise.
Project deliverables
The BPA network includes four platforms that offer state-of-the-art facilities and deliver world class expertise:
- Genomics Australia – high throughput gene sequencing, transcript analysis, epigenetics, bioinformatics
- Proteomics Australia – protein separation, mass spectrometry, monoclonal antibody development, protein chemistry
- Metabolomics Australia – small molecule analysis, sample preparation, metabolite profiling, mass spectrometry, lipodomics
- Australian Bioinformatics Facility – cutting edge computational tools, bioinformatics strategies, data acquisition, data analysis, data reporting
Additionally, BPA has undertaken a number of special initiatives, leveraging the skills and expertise of BPA’s network to generate datasets of national interest in the areas of agriculture, biomedical science and the environment.
Access
All researchers can access the BPA nodes across Australia at a low cost and on the basis of merit. Reasonable commercial rates are charged to industry users.
Participating organisations
- Bioplatforms Australia Ltd (lead institute)
- Macquarie University (specifically, the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility)
- TGR Biosciences Pty Ltd
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research
- Monash University
- Australian Genome Research Facility
- The University of Queensland
- Southern Cross University
- The University of NSW (specifically, the Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function & Analysis)
- The Australian National University
- La Trobe University – Victorian AgriBiosciences Centre
- Murdoch University
- The University of Melbourne
- The Australian Wine Research Institute
- The University of Western Australia
- Western Australian Institute for Medical Research
- The University of Adelaide
- EMBL Australia (Australian Bioinformatics Network)
- CSIRO (Australian Bioinformatics Network)
Metabolomics Australia (UWA Bioplatforms)
Metabolomics Australia (MA) was established at UWA in 2008 and was integrated into the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Microanalysis (CMCA) at UWA in 2016. Recently the node has been awarded new NCRIS (Bioplatforms Australia) funding to expand its capabilities. The group will continue to deliver high-quality services across a range of metabolomics applications in a diverse range of biological studies, and expand existing capacity into the following key areas:
The development of new high resolution workflows in metabolomics across all sectors
Standardisation of methods to International benchmarks
High throughput testing to increase precision and sensitivity of evolving methodologies
The MA UWA node is expert in utilising new technologies to develop methodologies in the detection of volatile compounds, working with national platforms to engage with industry and further collaborations with other universities Australia-wide. The group have also been certified by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) for the analysis of Vitamin D in human serum for the 5th year running. The MA UWA node performs analysis on some of the largest studies on Vitamin D metabolism in Australia, examples including the D-Health study (led by UQ), the AusImmune study (led by ANU), the SEDS study (led by ANU), the Busselton Health survey (WA) and the Raine study (WA).
Dr Michael Clarke is the Node Leader. The team also includes a GCMS Lead, a LCMS Specialist, a Bioinformatics Specialist, and a QC Manager and Accreditation Specialist. The team works collaboratively with the scientific community to support research outcomes, and an increase in capability at the UWA node will enable greater access to services and provide benefits to science, both in WA and nationally. Several new instruments will be acquired for both targeted and untargeted analysis, including a super high resolution LCMS for pathway mapping, and new ultrasensitive GCMS capabilities for volatile and non-volatile metabolomic profiling and quantitation. The technology will be used to discover novel compounds and then quantitate molecules of interest using integrated sample handling platforms.
Industry: The group provides GCMS analysis for researchers involved in the CRC for Honey Bee Products, led by UWA. The CRC supports the Australian honey industry to promote honey bee products worldwide. A second industry supported by the node is the Western Australian Truffle Industry and the group provides volatile profile analysis and quantitation of key molecules involved in truffle quality.
Contact: Asst/Prof Michael Clarke ([email protected])
Acknowledgement of support for this NCRIS capability in WA:
WA Proteomics
The WA Proteomics Facility is a node of Proteomics Australia based at CMCA that provides services to WA researchers including - sample analysis by mass spectrometry, data analysis and consulting. Services are delivered through a joint venture between The University of Western Australia and Proteomics International.
Our goal is to use our expertise and equipment to fuel cutting-edge research. We strive to form strong collaborations with any interested scientists to increase the value of their research.
Services are focused on protein identification, quantitation and flux analysis.
What is Proteomics?
Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteomes. A proteome is a set of proteins produced in an organism, system, or biological context. The proteome is not constant; it differs from cell to cell, tissue to tissue and it changes over time. While the proteome relies on the underlying transcriptome for its synthesis, protein abundance and activity is also modulated by many factors in addition to mRNA abundance. Protein abundance is poorly predicted by transcript abundance in many contexts making such data independently valuable and highly complementary when analysing complex biological questions.
In general terms, proteomic techniques determine:
- when and where proteins are expressed;
- rates of protein production, degradation, and steady-state abundance;
- how proteins are modified (for example, post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation);
- the involvement of proteins in metabolic pathways;
- how proteins interact with one another.
The services offered by the WA Proteomics Facility focus on:
- Protein identification to provide evidence to link a protein to the gene that encodes it.
- Quantitative proteomics to reveal the abundance of specific proteins in a complex sample.
- Targeted proteomics to enable specific proteins of interest to be analysed.
- Flux proteomics to measure the synthesis and degradation rates of proteins.
- This focus provides basic proteomic services for research in WA to complement the services of other nodes of Proteomics Australia, as well as certified services in targeted biomarker analysis by targeted proteomics and the first national service for flux proteomics of protein synthesis and degradation rates.
Instruments at UWA
ThermoFisher Orbitrap Fusion and Exploris 480 Instruments are some of the most powerful available for delivering quantitative proteomics and flux proteomics services. Triple quadrupole instruments are used for targeted proteomics services. This facility is located in Room G28, Bayliss Building, UWA Perth campus.
If you want to understand more about proteomics and how it can relate to your biological question, contact [email protected]
UWA Staff involved
Prof Harvey Millar ([email protected])
Dr Elke Stroeher ([email protected])
Dr Owen Duncan ([email protected])
Acknowledgement of support for this NCRIS capability in WA:
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Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS)
IMOS is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional capability to undertake systematic and sustained observing of the marine environment, from the open ocean onto the continental shelf and into the coast, and across physical, chemical and biological variables. All observations undertaken by IMOS produce data streams in near real time and/or delayed mode (quality controlled), that are discoverable, accessible, usable and reusable via the Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN).
Increasingly, even more data is being made available via AODN from a wide range of partner organisations – research institutions, Federal and State Government departments, and private industry. As the national scale marine observing system, IMOS supports a high level of international collaboration. This benefits Australia through coinvestment in our region, and helps position Australian scientists as global leaders in Southern Hemisphere marine and climate science. IMOS has also established partnerships with coastal and ocean modellers in the areas of model validation and development, data assimilation, and observing system design.
IMOS is operated by a consortium of institutions as an unincorporated joint venture, with the University of Tasmania as the Lead Agent. IMOS facilities, funded to deploy equipment and deliver data streams are operated by eight different institutions within the National Innovation System. There is a strong presence in Western Australia with CSIRO, AIMS, UWA and Curtin hosting facilities in WA for the deployment of infrastructure in Western Australia. UWA is the host for two coastal observing facilities: ocean gliders and ocean radar.
IMOS observations are guided by science planning undertaken collaboratively across the Nodes of the Australian marine and climate science community with input from government, industry and other stakeholders. There are five major research themes that unify IMOS science plans and related observations: long-term ocean change; climate variability and weather extremes; boundary currents; continental shelf and coastal processes; and, the ecosystem response.
In Western Australia the IMOS data have contributed significantly to the understanding of the marine environment. This includes: recognition, definition and ecological response to marine heat waves; discovery and importance of dense shelf water cascades along Two Rocks, Pilbara and Kimberley transects; definition and variability of the Holloway Current; interaction between Leeuwin and Capes Currents and the formation of eddies; Whale ‘songs’ in the Perth canyon; and documenting the impacts of tropical cyclones on shelf region using ocean gliders. The IMOS funding has also attracted additional co-investment to WA through Industry (Woodside, Chevron, Origin Energy), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), National Environmental Science Program (NESP) and the Australian Research Council.
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Microscopy Australia
Microscopy Australia is a joint venture between Australian university-based microscopy and microanalysis centres. It was established in July 2007 under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
Microscopy Australia provides researchers with a national grid of equipment, instrumentation and expertise in microscopy and microanalysis that offers nanostructural characterisation capability and services, including widely used optical, electron, X-ray and ion-beam techniques and world-leading flagship platforms.
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National Imaging Facility (NIF)
As part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), the NIF has established a national network that provides state of the art imaging of animals, plants and materials for the Australian research community.
It provides access to molecular imaging instrumentation, including:
- a range of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners
- live animal imaging equipment including bioluminescence, microCT, ultrasound and intravital microscopy.
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Pawsey Supercomputing
The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre is encouraging and energising research using supercomputing, large scale data storage and visualisation in Western Australia. They provide facilities and expertise to the research, education and industrial communities. Application areas include nanotechnology, radio astronomy, high energy physics, medical research, mining and petroleum, architecture and construction, multimedia, and urban planning, amongst others.
The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre is an unincorporated joint venture between CSIRO, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia and is supported by the Western Australian and Federal Governments.
Pawsey’s HPC system is an internationally significant resource which supports Australian computational research. It provides prioritised support for research in geosciences and radio astronomy, including the processing of the data generated by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope.
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Population Health Research Network (PHRN) (UWA LEAD NODE)
The PHRN project is creating and developing research infrastructure in the population health space, including information and communication technology, research equipment, data management and custodianship, analytical capacity and project management.
It provides researchers in Australia with the capability to link de-identified data from a diverse and rich range of health data sets, across sectors and jurisdictions.
This allows them to carry out nationally and internationally significant population-level research, to improve health and wellbeing and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of health services.
Supports linkage of health and other human services data in privacy-preserving ways and makes the linked data available for approved research. It supports facilities in every Australian state including WA.
WA-based infrastructure supported by PHRN includes an Online Application System that enables researchers to apply for cross-jurisdiction linked data from across Australia and a secure file transfer system. As a result of PHRN activities, WA now has internationally recognised skills in management of personal health information, as well as systems and processes for data linkage and management of linked data. These are vital to a range of health and other human services research in the state.
The PHRN has funded a number of proof of concept studies to demonstrate how the PHRN infrastructure can enable researcher access to cross-jurisdictional linked data. Two of these involved WA researchers and addressed the important research topics:
"In-hospital and post-discharge mortality: Learning about quality of care using data linkages from Australian States"
3 peer reviewed publications to date
"Linkage of the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) and state-based registers to evaluate and inform Australia's immunisation program"
2 peer reviewed publications to date
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Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network
TERN is Australia’s land ecosystem observatory. It measures key terrestrial ecosystem attributes over time from continental scale to field sites at hundreds of representative locations and openly provide model-ready data that enable researchers to detect and interpret changes in land ecosystems. TERN provides open data, research and management tools, data infrastructure and site-based research equipment.
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Therapeutic Innovation AustraliaTIA invests in research infrastructure to enable seamless access to expertise and services vital to translate research discoveries into human health impacts.
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