Nov 4 2010
An international agreement between Australia and China to further expand nanoscience research has been welcomed today by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, and the Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans.
The Australia–China Joint Laboratory on Nanoscience will be established under the current memorandum of understanding between the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) and the International Strategic Technology Alliance of Chinese universities.
"I welcome the signing of this important agreement that will create further linkages and opportunities for Australian universities to engage with the rapidly expanding Chinese research sector," Senator Carr said.
"Through partnership, we can explore the exciting opportunities now opening in the nanotechnology field. Research undertaken at this centre, for example, could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of cancer; and more effective purification of drinkable and waste waters."
The joint laboratory will build on relationships established over recent years between the ATN and key Chinese universities under the auspices of the Australia–China NanoNetwork. It will bring a new dimension to Australian–China research and development collaborations via the nationwide ATN platform.
"China is now Australia’s third ranked partner in scientific publications, and materials science — including nanotechnology — is an area of mutual scientific strength, with 13 per cent of joint papers in 2009 being in the materials field," Senator Carr said.
Speaking in China today, Senator Chris Evans said: "This is a great example of the kind of cutting-edge research that can be undertaken when Australian and Chinese organisations work together."
In June this year, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping officially opened the Australia-China Joint Research Centre for Functional Molecular Materials.
In August the Australia-China Nanoscience and Technology Centre was launched during the Shanghai World Expo, bringing together the CSIRO, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials and two leading Chinese nanotechnology institutes.
The agreement will offer significant partnering opportunities for Australian researchers and PhD students.
"I am very pleased that Australian universities are engaging with their Chinese counterparts to build research and research training capacity, increasing their international linkages," Senator Evans said.