The geochemistry of trace elements with variable oxidation states. The understanding of many earth processes is based upon an interpretation of differences in the relative abundance and/or distribution of elements which occur in more than one oxidation state. However, the redox states that control the geochemical behaviour of an element in a melt are not necessarily retained on cooling. This work aims to determine the oxidation states of geologically important elements, in situ under magmatic ....The geochemistry of trace elements with variable oxidation states. The understanding of many earth processes is based upon an interpretation of differences in the relative abundance and/or distribution of elements which occur in more than one oxidation state. However, the redox states that control the geochemical behaviour of an element in a melt are not necessarily retained on cooling. This work aims to determine the oxidation states of geologically important elements, in situ under magmatic conditions, using XANES spectroscopy. The results will allow geological signatures to be correctly interpreted and allow models for topics ranging from ancient mantle temperatures to rates of melt migration to be better constrained.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347157
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$770,000.00
Summary
A Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer for investigating the Earth and its Environment. Key aspects of our knowledge of the earth have resulted from isotope measurements using a mass spectrometer. Thermal instruments measure the abundance of isotopes with the greatest accuracy achievable and are the cornerstone of laboratories investigating the earth and its environment. Recently, significant improvements have been made to these instruments in response to the need to solve problems involving a w ....A Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer for investigating the Earth and its Environment. Key aspects of our knowledge of the earth have resulted from isotope measurements using a mass spectrometer. Thermal instruments measure the abundance of isotopes with the greatest accuracy achievable and are the cornerstone of laboratories investigating the earth and its environment. Recently, significant improvements have been made to these instruments in response to the need to solve problems involving a wider range of chemical elements present in small quantities and to measure them with higher precision than ever before. This proposal will establish a state-of-the-art Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer so that Australian scientists can remain internationally competitive in their research.
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Biomolecular chemical survival strategies of terrestrial extremophiles and the spectroscopic search for life on Mars. This project is aimed to place Australian research at the forefront of developments in the search for extraterrestrial life, the evolution of life on earth, and the design of new probes for the identification of microorganisms. The research will link key centres in Australia and the UK with international space agencies (NASA and the European Space Agency) in the search for cutti ....Biomolecular chemical survival strategies of terrestrial extremophiles and the spectroscopic search for life on Mars. This project is aimed to place Australian research at the forefront of developments in the search for extraterrestrial life, the evolution of life on earth, and the design of new probes for the identification of microorganisms. The research will link key centres in Australia and the UK with international space agencies (NASA and the European Space Agency) in the search for cutting edge techniques to be used in the search for extraterrestrial life forms and their links to paleo and extremophile life forms on Earth. Read moreRead less
Resolving Critical Knowledge Gaps Relating to Light and Free-Radical Mediated Transformations of Iron and Copper in Oxic Natural Waters. Understanding the transformation kinetics of iron and copper species is critical to maintaining Australia's water resources since i) iron transformations are key to generation and transport of acid in Australia's coastal environment; ii) growth of toxic algae are stimulated by dissolution of iron-rich sediments with subsequent release of nutrients phosphorus an ....Resolving Critical Knowledge Gaps Relating to Light and Free-Radical Mediated Transformations of Iron and Copper in Oxic Natural Waters. Understanding the transformation kinetics of iron and copper species is critical to maintaining Australia's water resources since i) iron transformations are key to generation and transport of acid in Australia's coastal environment; ii) growth of toxic algae are stimulated by dissolution of iron-rich sediments with subsequent release of nutrients phosphorus and iron, and iii) algal toxicity is related to iron and copper nutrition and interplay of these metals with oxygen. Additionally, global cycles of carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen are influenced by iron and copper interactions with light and oxygen. Improved understanding of these processes should lead to an awareness of how to prevent these problems and, if they occur, approaches to their mitigation.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347662
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,000.00
Summary
Laser Ablation System for Elemental Analysis and Tropical Environmental Research. This application seeks funding for a Laser Ablation system as a sample introduction system for the current Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICPMS). The proposed LA-ICPMS facility will provide a trace element analytical facility that will be used for research in northern Australia which will enhance and develop strong and sustainable collaborative partnerships in the areas of conservation biology, ....Laser Ablation System for Elemental Analysis and Tropical Environmental Research. This application seeks funding for a Laser Ablation system as a sample introduction system for the current Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICPMS). The proposed LA-ICPMS facility will provide a trace element analytical facility that will be used for research in northern Australia which will enhance and develop strong and sustainable collaborative partnerships in the areas of conservation biology, living resource management, tropical environmental science and resource development. The facility will not be simply providing a routine analytical service. It will be used to develop innovative approaches to environmental management and sustainable development and ensure a continued high level of research and research training which will contribute to regional development.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453973
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,093.00
Summary
Surface Spectroscopic and Microstructure Analysis. Funding is requested for an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) and an Image Plate Guinier Camera (IPGC), to update and expand capabilities in surface spectroscopic and microstructural analysis of a wide range of materials. The XPS unit, to be located at the University of SA, will replace two 18-year old XPS units at UniSA and Flinders University. The IPGC is a new and unique instrument which will be located at the University of Adelaide. The ....Surface Spectroscopic and Microstructure Analysis. Funding is requested for an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) and an Image Plate Guinier Camera (IPGC), to update and expand capabilities in surface spectroscopic and microstructural analysis of a wide range of materials. The XPS unit, to be located at the University of SA, will replace two 18-year old XPS units at UniSA and Flinders University. The IPGC is a new and unique instrument which will be located at the University of Adelaide. These items will be incorporated into the SA Regional Facility, which provides seamless access to instrumentation across nodes. Applications include materials science, geological and biological research projects.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0237922
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
High Resolution Cryogenic Field Emission Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope Facility. A high resolution variable pressure scanning electron microscope will replace aging, heavily utilised facilities. It will be accessed by existing large and diverse user groups in a mature and internationally-recognised Centre. The novel combination of a cryogenic stage and the electrostatic beam blanking modification will support continuance of the local, world-leading research and application of new ....High Resolution Cryogenic Field Emission Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope Facility. A high resolution variable pressure scanning electron microscope will replace aging, heavily utilised facilities. It will be accessed by existing large and diverse user groups in a mature and internationally-recognised Centre. The novel combination of a cryogenic stage and the electrostatic beam blanking modification will support continuance of the local, world-leading research and application of new imaging techniques, particularly in the materials and mineral sciences. Both new nanotechnology and existing globally-significant industries will utilise the unique aspects of this instrument for product refinement and maintenance of commercial leadership, in partnership with local Universities and Government agencies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347962
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$218,000.00
Summary
Adelaide Mass Spectrometry and Analysis Facility. This joint proposal by two South Australian universities and the Hanson Institute seeks to establish a facility for rapid characterisation and identification of biomolecules by means of MALDI-TOF and Nano LC mass spectrometry. The requested equipment is not available in South Australia. This proposal would establish a Nano LC (Q-TOF) node at the University of Adelaide-University of South Australia location and a MALDI-TOF node at the Flinders loc ....Adelaide Mass Spectrometry and Analysis Facility. This joint proposal by two South Australian universities and the Hanson Institute seeks to establish a facility for rapid characterisation and identification of biomolecules by means of MALDI-TOF and Nano LC mass spectrometry. The requested equipment is not available in South Australia. This proposal would establish a Nano LC (Q-TOF) node at the University of Adelaide-University of South Australia location and a MALDI-TOF node at the Flinders location. Its presence would greatly enhance the quality of research and teaching in priority areas such as proteomics, bioinformatics and nanotechnology and would provide a basis for fostering university and biotechnology industry collaborations.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0239035
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$900,000.00
Summary
Regional facility for surface and micro-structure analysis. Adelaide, Flinders and SA Universities seek to enhance the regional facility for surface and microstructure analysis. Equipment includes electron back scatter pattern imaging, high resolution coater, microprobe (CAMECA SX51) upgrade and X ray microtomography to be located at Adelaide University Centre for Electron Microscopy and Microstructure Analysis, the hub of the regional facility. The University of South Australia Ian Wark Researc ....Regional facility for surface and micro-structure analysis. Adelaide, Flinders and SA Universities seek to enhance the regional facility for surface and microstructure analysis. Equipment includes electron back scatter pattern imaging, high resolution coater, microprobe (CAMECA SX51) upgrade and X ray microtomography to be located at Adelaide University Centre for Electron Microscopy and Microstructure Analysis, the hub of the regional facility. The University of South Australia Ian Wark Research Institute node will house ToF-SIMS and SAM upgrades, the Flinders node a multimode STM atomic force microscope, and the Adelaide University Waite Campus node confocal xyz control and digital camera. Applications include biological, materials and geological research projects.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354861
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$15,000.00
Summary
Network Australia International. "Network Australia International" will harness the expertise and knowledge of expatriate researchers and tap into their overseas networks. NAI will be a unique portal connecting and re-connecting Australian researchers overseas.
The key objectives of the Network are to:
* identify Australian researchers overseas, especially Young Investigators;
* perform a capability audit on their knowledge, expertise and networks;
* identify potential synergies betw ....Network Australia International. "Network Australia International" will harness the expertise and knowledge of expatriate researchers and tap into their overseas networks. NAI will be a unique portal connecting and re-connecting Australian researchers overseas.
The key objectives of the Network are to:
* identify Australian researchers overseas, especially Young Investigators;
* perform a capability audit on their knowledge, expertise and networks;
* identify potential synergies between Australian and overseas researchers, related to National Research Priorities;
* coordinate collaborative research;
* provide opportunities for Australian postdoctoral fellows overseas;
* communicate and enhance opportunities for permanent and recurring visits by Australian expatriates, and develop new initiatives.
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