A new era of science partnership between Australia and China

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has welcomed the signing of a research agreement celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between Australia and China.

Six joint research centres are being established under the Australia-China Science and Research Fund. The ANSTO-SINAP Joint Materials Research Centre, hosted by ANSTO and the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP), is one of these.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding was concluded between the two institutions earlier this week, which will enhance the scope and reach of the joint collaborations.

The research centre announcement and the conclusion of the MoU recognise the mutual research links between two of the region’s key nuclear science and technology organisations.

To achieve the objectives of the research centre, ANSTO and SINAP will undertake a range of collaborative projects, provide postgraduate and postdoctoral training, and hold regular workshops.

ANSTO’s CEO, Dr Adi Paterson, said international collaborations like these help to ensure Australia remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and the practical application of knowledge to improve quality of life and environmental sustainability.

“From a practical perspective, this is very exciting for ANSTO because it will provide many opportunities for collaborative research,” Dr Paterson said.

“From a national perspective, the partnership reflects the federal government’s priorities for expanding Australia’s capacity for engagement with China in research and innovation.

“Staff at ANSTO have worked to achieve this outstanding partnership and we are encouraged by the support we have experienced from SINAP.”

Professor Zhengtang Zhao, Director of SINAP, welcomed the announcement and recognised it as a significant step.

“I am very excited about the announcement of the joint research centre with ANSTO and look forward to progressing our expanded collaborations,” Professor Zhao said.

In line with the Australian Government’s announcement, ANSTO has been awarded $833,000 to deliver on the Australian commitments for the research centre.

ANSTO and SINAP will execute a program focused on nuclear materials engineering, which will be carried forward over the coming year. The new funding will enable ANSTO and SINAP to apply significant new resources to their collaboration in nuclear materials and applications.