ANSTO renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) operated by the High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation (KEK) and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). While the agreement with J-PARC commenced in 2015 concluded last year, the broadened one is to include their partner Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS).
The renewed agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for research collaboration using neutron scattering science at the respective facilities. It encompasses the exchange of scientists, engineers, and other specialists for participation in experiments, and research and development activities. The areas of collaboration focus on a wide range of techniques using neutrons, which can be complemented by deuteration, available from the comprehensive suite of neutron scattering instruments at ANSTO and J-PARC.
Under the agreement, the participating organisations can provide and exchange samples, materials, and equipment, as well as exchange information and data on scientific and technical activities directly or through seminars, workshops and meetings.
The previous five-year agreement enabled productive collaborations using deuteration and neutron instruments in studies of welding defects, the development of a new deuteration methods for ionic liquids, and investigations of the dynamics of rubber tyre materials, among others.
The new MOU includes plans for a series of science and technology workshops on the use of neutron instruments for the characterisation of material structure and dynamic phenomena, as well as the use of neutron-based ancillary techniques and tools.
The workshops will be held virtually over the next months. Prof Hiroyuki Aoki of JAEA, Dr Masato Matsuura of CROSS, and Dr Nicolas de Souza of ANSTO are organising the workshops, which have contributions from neutron and deuteration scientists at ANSTO and J-PARC.
The CEO of ANSTO, who signed the agreement, said that the agency has strong links with its associates in Japan and this agreement will further enhance productive collaborations to benefit both Australia, Japan and the world. The Director of J-PARC, Prof Takashi Kobayashi said that the agreement would expand the development of neutron scattering science for ANSTO, J-PARC and the world.
The celebratory workshop included presentations from organisational representatives, including Dr Jamie Schulz, Leader of the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering at ANSTO, and explored areas of possible cooperation.
“The fact that our workshops will be online because of COVID-19 restrictions, opens up the possibility of more people taking part,” said Dr Nicolas de Souza, Senior Instrument Scientist.
About the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering
The Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering is the home of neutron science in Australia and a leading facility in the Asia Oceania region.
It is part of an international network of organisations with neutron sources that deliver world-competitive neutron scattering science from Australian and international users. Research at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering has been used to determine the internal structure of many types of materials, helping scientists understand why materials have the properties they do, and helping tailor new materials, devices and systems.
About the National Deuteration Facility
The National Deuteration Facility is the only facility of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. It is partially funded by the National Research Infrastructure for Australia initiative. This unique facility offers molecular deuteration using both in vivo biodeuteration and chemical deuteration techniques.
Deuteration enables investigation of the relationship between molecular structure and function of molecules of both biological and synthetic origin for the benefit of the science community and the Australian community at large.
