Advanced microscopy launched at Waite

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Researchers at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus will have ready access to advanced microscopy with the launch of a new facility today.

Launched by Federal Science and Research Minister, Senator, the Hon. Don Farrell, the Adelaide Microscopy Waite Facility will promote faster and better research outcomes.

The Waite Facility will enable researchers to view plants and other materials at the nano-metre scale. Equipment in the centre includes transmission and scanning electron microscopes, confocal microscope, laser micro-dissection microscope, light microscopes and sample preparation tools.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor Warren Bebbington says: "The University of Adelaide is growing its research capacity at the Waite dramatically. Our researchers are tackling the global challenges of food security and sustainable food production for healthier outcomes.

"Facilities like the Adelaide Microscopy centre at Waite will help to ensure we deliver faster research outcomes through new and stronger partnerships."

Examples of research being undertaken using the new facility include:

• Studying the relationship between pollen structure and function as part of an investigation into pollen fertility in wheat;


• Studying cellular processes involved in salinity tolerance in crop plants;


• Investigation of cell wall structure and the influence of fungal disease in cereals.

"We expect it will be used widely, not just by University of Adelaide researchers but also our co-located partners on Waite Campus and other public and private research organisations and industry."

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