Flinders University: $2.4m boost to advance R&D

A powerful new microscope has been commissioned at Flinders University as part of a national strategy to provide researchers and industry with the latest techniques to develop the next generation of materials and products.

Mining, space, advanced manufacturing, energy, defence, quantum devices and other R&D is invited to register to use Australia’s first $2.4 million Photoemission Electron Microscope (PEEM) newly installed at the Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis lab, Bedford Park.

Flinders University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robert Saint says the facility provides resolutions to the nanometre, detailing structural, morphological, electronic and chemical properties of a wide range of materials.


“This Microscopy Australia facility, co-funded by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, is part of an extensive, sophisticated plan to support innovation and advancement in Australia’s challenging research future,” says Professor Saint.

The new Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) at Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis is part of a South Australian and national network of research infrastructure under the Microscopy Australia banner. It will be instrumental in progressing research into biofuels, the hydrogen energy industry, and help local companies such as Tonsley-based Micro-X to develop their next generation of high-tech products and services.

“This amazing new facility is designed for current and future Australian research priorities across many industries, which can benefit from using this diverse and powerful technique,” says Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis director Professor Sarah Harmer.

The Microscopy Australia PEEM facility has been co-funded by Flinders University, the South Australian State Government and the Federal Government under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.

It was unveiled by the CEO of Microscopy Australia Professor Julie Cairney at the Sir Eric Neal Building at Flinders University, Bedford Park with Sir Eric one of the special guests.