$63m centre to lead way in nanotechnology research

The Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, part of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, may position Australia at the forefront of nanotechnology research.

Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, Richard Marles, opened the world-class research centre today - which includes the largest purpose-built, clean room complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

He believes the $63 million facility will position Australia at the cutting edge of R&D and in a prime position to become a world leader in commercial nanotechnology.

The clean room will allow scientists to work with materials at a microscopic level to produce the next generation of technology.

It is a joint effort with the Australian and Victorian governments and a consortium comprising Monash, Swinburne, Deakin and La Trobe universities, RMIT, CSIRO and MiniFab Australia Pty Ltd all contributing funds.

The centre will be open to researchers - from Australia and overseas - and to industry.

The Gillard government is investing over $900 million in high-quality research infrastructure like this centre through the Super Science Initiative.