New Zealand has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with Australia to access the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne, reinforcing long-standing trans-Tasman collaboration in advanced scientific research and innovation.
The agreement ensures New Zealand researchers will retain access to one of the world’s leading synchrotron facilities, which uses intense X-ray beams to study the structure of materials at the molecular level. This capability supports a wide range of scientific applications, including clean energy development, medical technologies, environmental science, and primary industry innovation.
Officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) say the renewed agreement strengthens New Zealand’s science system by enabling researchers to access infrastructure that would not be feasible to build domestically due to scale and cost. The partnership has been in place since 2006 and continues to deliver significant research and innovation outcomes.
Under the new arrangement, the New Zealand Government will invest $1.4 million annually over five years through the New Zealand Synchrotron Group, with total national investment reaching $2.8 million per year when matched by the research sector. The funding ensures continued participation in the Australian Synchrotron, operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
Researchers using the facility have contributed to advancements in several fields, including the development of cleaner energy materials, biomaterials for medical applications, sustainable alternatives to plastics, and improved understanding of natural hazards such as volcanic activity. The infrastructure also supports innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, and high-value export product development.
Officials say international research partnerships are essential for a country of New Zealand’s size, allowing local scientists to remain globally competitive and to translate research into real-world applications that benefit industry and the wider economy.
The agreement is also part of a broader effort to strengthen digital and scientific collaboration between New Zealand and Australia, including expanded cooperation in high-performance computing and emerging technologies such as quantum computing. These initiatives are intended to improve regional research capacity and enhance participation in global scientific programs.
By maintaining access to advanced research infrastructure, both countries aim to deepen innovation ties, accelerate scientific discovery, and support the development of new technologies that contribute to economic growth and improved societal outcomes.
