MoU between Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) and Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF)

27 March 2019

 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 1 February 2019 between The University of Queensland (UQ) Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF). The CMM-CARF MoU facilitates easy movement for staff and clients at both institutions by promoting exchange of expertise and enhanced know-how for optimum research outcomes.  It heralds a significant milestone in the relationship between both UQ and QUT as both universities will gain greater access to a wider range of equipment to further their research efforts. Given the increasing costs of high-end research infrastructure, it is hoped that this landmark arrangement, apparently the first of its kind in Queensland, will set the benchmark for future research co-operation among institutions in Australia.

The function was hosted at the UQ Art Museum by Professor Peter Høj AC, UQ’s Vice-Chancellor and President, who opened the luncheon with a short welcome speech. Queensland Government attendees included Dr Mark Jacobs, Assistant Director-General, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science who also delivered a short address, and Dr Julia Playford, Acting Executive Director, Science Development. QUT was represented by a number of attendees including Professor Margaret Sheil AO, QUT’s Vice-Chancellor and President and Professor Kerrie Wilson, Executive Director, Institute for Future Environments.

It is anticipated that this collaboration will have far-reaching benefits by demonstrating clearly to external partners and funding bodies a genuine intention of ongoing future co-operation in areas where significant capital investment is required and that collaboration between diverse research areas and platforms is a viable direction for future sustainability.

For the Faculty of Science researchers this means:

  • Researchers can utilise CARF through CMM (on a CMM project) and CMM staff will undertake the imaging and analysis for the internal UQ CMM fees.  This option is ideal for short-term projects or one off requests which need to be performed at CARF as there is no requirement for a project application at QUT, no inductions need to be undertaken, no money transfer or no other administrative requirements need to be completed between the two institutions.

If members in the Faculty of Science have other requirements or suggestions to optimise the process please contact CMM Director Professor Roger Wepf as he will be happy to review the “cooperation” between the two platforms to ensure UQ researchers are able to receive the best out of the infrastructure and instrument capabilities in the Brisbane region.

 

From left: Dr Mark Jacobs, Professor Bronwyn Harch and Professor Peter Høj (UQ), Professor Margaret Sheil, Professor Kerrie Wilson and Dr Julia Playford (QUT)

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