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SYNCHROTRON UPDATE -- August 2002
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An electronic newsletter on the progress of the Australian Synchrotron Project

Please forward this email to anyone you think may be interested to receive it. Instructions for subscribing are at the end of the newsletter.

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SUMMARY OF THIS SYNCHROTRON UPDATE

1. Victorian Government commitment reaffirmed in 2002-2003 Budget
2. International agreement supports Australian Synchrotron
3. International experts endorse design options
4. Seminars and conferences
5. Australian synchrotron in the spotlight
6. How to get more information about the synchrotron

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1. VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT REAFFIRMED IN 2002-2003 BUDGET
The Victorian Government's commitment to the synchrotron as a national platform for research and innovation was reflected in the May announcement of the State Budget for 2002-2003.

The Budget featured a $298 million package of initiatives to support Victoria as a centre for innovation, including $100 million in capital and a further $2.9 million a year to establish the Australian Synchrotron as a national platform for ground-breaking research.

The Budget recognises the Australian Synchrotron facility as a key element of the Government's innovation agenda that will enable Victoria to capitalise on its emerging strengths in new knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental sciences, and advanced manufacturing. (Press release link: /whats_new/media_release_item.asp?id=5)

2. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT SUPPORTS AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON
International commitment to the Australian Synchrotron Project was reinforced by the announcement by the New Zealand and Victorian Governments that an eminent New Zealand scientist would be appointed to the National Scientific Advisory Committee. The new member of the committee will be announced shortly.

The inclusion of New Zealand in deliberations on the development of this new research facility reflects the strong scientific links between Australia and New Zealand and the importance of the synchrotron as a platform for innovation in Australia and the region. (Press release link: /whats_new/media_release_item.asp?id=3)


3. INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS ENDORSE DESIGN OPTIONS
The International Machine Advisory Committee has reviewed and endorsed the alternative design concepts for the Australian Synchrotron. The committee concluded that the design team had made substantial progress towards designing a machine that meets the needs of Australian science and industry and that would be internationally recognised as a state of the art facility.

This review occurred at a joint meeting with the National Scientific Advisory Committee in June. The National Scientific Advisory Committee now includes Professor Rob Lewis, recently appointed as Professor of X-Ray and Synchrotron Physics at Monash University. A list of committee members can be found at: /general_info/synchrotron_technical_specifications.asp#
Science_committees

4. SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
The program and registration form are now available for the two day workshop "The Australian Synchrotron: New Opportunities for Soil and Environmental Science".

The workshop will be held at the University of Melbourne, 3-4 October 2002, and is sponsored by the Australian Synchrotron Project and the Australian Synchrotron Research Program. For more information about the workshop, please email your name and postal address to [email protected]

As part of National Science Week, the Victorian Division of ANZAAS has organised a public symposium "The Australian Synchrotron: what's it all about" for Saturday, 17 August 2002, 2 - 6pm. Entry is free, but bookings must be made by emailing your name and telephone number to [email protected]

The program includes sessions on the Australian Synchrotron facility, biological and medical applications, physical and industrial applications, and the future for Australian Synchrotron science.

5. AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Over the last couple of months, a wide cross-section of Australians have gained exposure to the Australian Synchrotron Project through displays, presentations and media coverage including: Monash University Open Day, RACI Chemistry Students Open Day, Rotary Club of Central Melbourne - Sunrise and Surrey Hills Probus meetings, interview on Business Sunday, story on Totally Wild children's TV show, ATSE special edition of Focus, and features in Australasian Science and The Age. Thanks to those people who have given their time and effort to spreading the word about the Australian Synchrotron.

Members of the Australian Synchrotron team are available to speak to groups and public forums about the project. The model, posters and brochures are also available for display at events. For more information, email: [email protected]

6. HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYNCHROTRON
The Australian Synchrotron Project website is now live at: www.synchrotron.vic.gov.au The website includes information for science users, business opportunities, news and upcoming events as well as answers to questions about synchrotrons in general and the Australian Synchrotron facility.

The Australian Synchrotron Project is being administered by the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (please note the Departmental name change).

The current address and contact details are:

Australian Synchrotron Project
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development

Major Projects Victoria
Level 18, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3001
Tel: (03) 9655 3315 (International: +61-3-9655 3315)
Fax: (03) 9655 8666 (International: +61-3-9655 8666)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.synchrotron.vic.gov.au