CEO's Update

Tim Rawling in awe after viewing the new Cameca 1300 HR3 Ion-probe at Curtin University. Image: Curtin University

I hope you are well and enjoying the longer days. I would like to bring a number of things to your attention as we reflect on this quarter.

First, let me update you regarding the Research Infrastructure Investment (RIIP) planning process, which is in progress following the release of the 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap (2021 NRI Roadmap) earlier this year. At the time of publishing our Quarterly (that includes this update), we understand that the NCRIS funding guidelines relating to the next phase of AuScope operational funding (beyond June 2023) are likely to be released any day. As soon as they become public, we will communicate the implications for our community to you.

Meanwhile, AuScope is developing several research infrastructure investment proposals for the upcoming RIIP process that aligns with the critical minerals ‘challenge’ and the environment and climate change ‘step-changes’ identified in the 2021 NRI Roadmap. We believe these proposals will be required by the Department of Education (formerly the Department of Education, Training and Employment) in late 2022 or early 2023.

The new Cameca 1300 HR3 Ion-probe installed at the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC), Curtin University. Image: Tim Rawling

One of AuScope’s most significant recent investments has been replacing the 25-year-old Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) instrument at the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC), Curtin University, with a Cameca 1300 HR3 Ion-probe. This instrument has been installed and will be officially opened by Curtin University on 14 October 2022. We will report on this important event in due course.

Professor Graham Heinson and undergraduate student Daniel Gamble from The University of Adelaide installing a magnetotelluric instrument in the Curnamona Province. Photographed as part of AuScope’s experimental science communication project Immersive Earth in celebration of National Science Week 2022. Image: AuScope

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the new AuScope Immersive website that our creative communications team of Jo and Philomena have put together (with help from Professor Graham Heinson). AuScope developed this new visual, self-guided and immersive science communication around the Curnamona Cube project for National Science Week 2022 audiences.

I hope you enjoy all the news in this Quarterly. We will be in touch about the RIIP process shortly.

Tim Rawling

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