Australia hosts world’s largest synchrotron conference
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27 September 2009
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For the first time in Australia more than 600 international synchrotron scientists will gather in Melbourne to attend the 10th international conference on Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation from 27 September – 2 October 2009 at the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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It will be an opportunity to showcase to the world’s synchrotron scientists the $1.5 million extension to the Australian Synchrotron’s imaging and medical beamline, which when completed will be the most advanced instrument of its type in the world.
The Imaging and Medical facility (IM) at the Australian Synchrotron will significantly enhance research into faster detection and improved treatment of cancer.
Construction of a major expansion to the IM facility is underway thanks to a $13.2 million grant from the National Health & Medical Research Council to fund additional research instruments, laboratories and clinical facilities. A further $1.5 million from the Victorian Government will contribute to the building extension that will house the equipment.
Researchers will use the facility for high resolution imaging of tissue, including the identification of tumours. Ultimately, researchers aim to use the facility for single cell imaging and tracking. This will shine light on the biochemical and biomedical processes involved in cancer development and many other diseases.
Imaging and Medical Beamline Scientist at the Australian Synchrotron, Daniel Häusermann, said standard hospital X-ray imaging and CT cannot see things much smaller than 0.5mm.
“With this facility, we are aiming to see 10 to 50 times smaller. The more we can see, the more we can understand how tumours grow and develop.
“The expanded facility will be the most advanced instrument of its type in the world. It will bring together pioneering synchrotron researchers, biomedical researchers and medical practitioners. Together, they will advance research in significant health areas such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases,” said Mr Häusermann.
Research using the IM beamline will place Australia at the cutting edge to take these new technologies into real clinical environments and ultimately, improve health outcomes for Australians.
Among the projects planned for the facility are:
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- High resolution imaging of cells and tissues, from detailed examinations of tumours to the fine structural details of lungs;
- Tracking studies to follow the movements of cells labelled with small marker particles through tissues and organs in real time;
- Research in the interaction of radiation with cancer and healthy cells to improve the prescription of radiotherapy treatments.
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Deputy Dean of Research in Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Ian Smith, said the IM facility would be a huge enabling tool for both the research and clinical communities.
“It’s going to change the way we detect and treat disease, especially cancer, and give us unique insights into physiology and general functions of the body,” he said.
Professor Robert Lamb, Director of the Australian Synchrotron said the enhancements will make a significant impact on health research in Australia.
“This will enable us to see much more than ever before. With existing imaging technology, scientists cannot see the early signs of tumour formation. With this new Synchrotron-based technology, minute changes in tissue development will become visible. It is like going from a grainy black and white television to a 3-D high resolution flat screen. We look forward to showing the world’s synchrotron communities this exciting facility.”
To promote access to world leading international research and technology in synchrotron science, the Victorian Government successfully bid to host this conference at the last SRI conference held in Korea in 2003.
The Victorian and Australian Governments are major sponsors of the conference. The conference is supported by the Commonwealth of Australia under the International Science Linkages program.
Victorian Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings, welcomed conference delegates to Melbourne.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to promote access between world-leading international research and technology and Victorian scientists in the research capital of Australia,” Mr Jennings said.
Professor Ian Gentle, Head of Science at the Australian Synchrotron, said “to host SRI09 is a great endorsement of our new facility from the international synchrotron community. The Australian Synchrotron is the first world-class, third-generation facility in the southern hemisphere; and the international community is keen to see what we have to offer”.
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