

Media Release

Australian Scientists Fellowship Awards

12 November 2002, MIN92/02

The Federal Minister for Science, Peter McGauran, today announced recipients of The Australian Synchrotron Research Program (ASRP) Research Fellowships under the Major National Research Facilities (MNRF) program.

"ASRP provides access for Australian researchers to world-class, synchrotron facilities in Japan and Chicago. The Research Fellowships will increase opportunities for scientific research and development in Australia and retain local talent.

"Through the planned research programs, Australia’s reputation and integration into regional and global activities will be enhanced, providing the nation with more international visibility and influence," Mr McGauran said.

There were six Award recipients this year:

Kia Wallwork, Australian Nuclear Scientific and Technology Organisation, Project: Investigation of pressure-induced phase transitions using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Barbara Etschmann, CSIRO Exploration and Mining, Project: Combining nuclear microprobe and synchrotron based spectroscopy for the study of inorganic materials and solutions. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Christopher Glover, Australian National University, Project: Applying advanced synchrotron-radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between geometric and electronic structure in semi-conductor nanocrystals. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Karen Siu, Monash University, Project: Synchrotron radiation studies of malignant brain tumours. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Joshua McKinnon, University of New England, Project: High-resolution synchrotron data for state-of-the-art charges density analysis: optimisation of date collection strategies. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Chanh Tran, University of Melbourne, Project: X-ray interferometry to measure atomic form factors and high-resolution imaging Z-ray vortex. Ã¢ÂÂÃ¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»Ã¯Â¿Â»

Mr McGauran congratulated the Award recipients and praised the diligence of the MNRF committee members in the selection process.

"This not only means opportunities for jobs and economic growth in these areas of science but also promotes the use of unique synchrotron capabilities", Mr McGauran said.

A full list and a short description of the Fellowship Award projects are attached.

For further information: Jodie Forbes (Minister McGauran’s Office) 02 62777440



SUMMARY OF ASRP FELLOWSHIP AWARDS 2002

Applicant: Institution: Supervisor: Project:

Barbara Etschmann CSIRO Exploration and Mining Dr Chris Ryan, Exploration and Mining Combining nuclear microprobe and synchrotron based spectroscopy for the study of supercritical

Project Summary:

Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, micro-XRF) offers many opportunities for the characterisation of the chemical composition and speciation (oxidation state, local geometry) of inorganic materials and solutions. Australia is a world-leader in the application of the nuclear microprobe to the analysis of complex geological, environmental and industrial samples. This project aims to integrate nuclear microprobe and synchrotron based analytical techniques, and to open new horizons in the fields of experimental hydrothermal chemistry (ore transport and deposition, high-temperature corrosion, hydrothermal ore processing), mineral exploration and fluid inclusion analysis.



Applicant: Institution: Supervisor: Project:

Christopher Glover Australian National University Dr Mark Ridgway, Dept of Electronic Materials Engineering Applying advanced synchrotron-radiation-based techniques to determine the connection between geometric and electronic structure in semi-conductor nanocrystals

Project Summary:

Unique optical and electronic properties are observed as the dimensions of crystalline semiconductor clusters approach the nanometer scale. The properties of such nanocrystals, which have the potential to form the basis of many new technologies, depend on subtle changes in the atomic-scale structure relative to bulk material. This project proposes to use advanced synchrotron-radiation-based techniques, with both soft and hard X-rays, to investigate the relationship between electronic and geometric structure in semiconductor nanocrystals with the aim of identifying and understanding fundamental mechanisms to enable future innovative application of this technology.



Applicant: Institution: Supervisor: Project:

Karen Siu Monash University Prof Robert Lewis, School of Physics and Materials Engineering Synchrotron radiation studies of malignant brain tumours

Project Summary:

This project will carry out synchrotron radiation studies of brain tissue, in order to reveal structural differences between malignant and non-malignant brain tumours. In particular, reliable and reproducible sub-grouping within current classification schemes (e.g. WHO grades) of tumour types is sought. It is hypothesised that small angle and wide angle X-ray scattering techniques (SAXS, WAXS) will provide a more sensitive means of distinguishing malignant brain tumour types, than conventional neuropathological analyses. The identification of more specific sub-types, correlated with responses to therapeutical intervention, would permit improved tailoring of therapy to patient needs.



Applicant: Institution: Supervisor:

Project:

Joshua McKinnon University of New England Prof Mark Spackman, School of Biological, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences High-resolution synchrotron data for state-of-the-art charge density analysis: optimisation of data collection strategies

Project Summary:

The high intensity, highly focused, tuneable radiation available from a synchrotron source has significant advantages over conventional laboratory sources for the collection of high-resolution data for accurate charge density (CD) analysis, particularly when it is combined with area detector technology. Despite the obvious advantages, the use of synchrotron radiation presents complications which have so far prevented its more wide-spread use in CD studies. This proposal seeks to develop and refine methods and techniques for the collection and analysis of high-resolution data optimised for CD analysis, particularly for materials where high quality, high resolution data collection is particularly difficult or impossible using a conventional laboratory source.



Applicant: Institution: Supervisor: Project:

Chanh Tran University of Melbourne Dr Chris Chantler, Prof Keith Nugent, School of Physics, Optics Group X-ray interferometry to measure atomic form factors and high resolution imaging X-ray vortex

Project Summary:

We will use a Bonse-Hart interferometer to measure the real component of atomic form factors and to address current discrepancies in the literature. We will also study vortex optics in the X-ray regime. The stability and the small size of the point of phase singularity of the vortex wavefront are used to develop a new technique for high resolution imaging.



Applicant: Institution: Supervisor: Project:

Kia Wallwork Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Dr Brett Hunter, Physics Division Investigation of pressure-induced phase transitions using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques

Project Summary:

The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of high-pressure on atomic structure utilising high-intensity, high-resolution synchrotron X-rays. The powder diffraction studies will examine the technologically important framework oxides, such as zeolites, which are valuable as ion conductors, catalysts, and selective ion absorbers. These properties arise from the structural diversity of both the synthetic and natural materials. Until recently research has focused on phase changes by variation of temperature and composition; there has been limited research into the induction of structural changes by high-pressure. New studies show however, that there is a rich topology to be explored.



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