New Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics Research Centre launched
The Macquarie Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics Research Centre (MQRC AAA) was officially launched last night by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Jim Piper at the Macquarie University Art Gallery.
The research centre led by Director Professor Quentin Parker, has ties to over 100 national and international universities, observatories, research institutions and commercial companies in 23 countries. This provides a solid network for effective multi-national collaborative research programs and partnerships with some of the world’s leading institutions.
With its planned growth in research, the centre is predicted to soon be among the top four astronomy cohorts in Australia, alongside the Australian National University, the University of Sydney and Swinburne.
Apart from many exciting main-stream astrophysics research programs and strong growth in the emerging field of cutting-edge astrophotonics, the centre has many other major projects already underway. One example is the Macquarie University-led $2.4 million dollar ARC supported project “Space to Grow” which combines astronomers with educational, ICT and science teaching experts to engage high school students in science using the hook of astronomy.
The new MQRC AAA will also have a strong focus on building links to the Indigenous community by engaging the Aboriginal Astronomy Research Group, a group dedicated to researching the astronomical knowledge and traditions of Indigenous Australians.
Director Professor Quentin Parker has been overwhelmed with the support received in order to make this launch possible.
“Thanks must go to Macquarie itself for so strongly supporting astronomy over the last eight years and allowing our potential to be realised. We must also thank the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO), our major external partner and the Australian Research Council whose support has been crucial to our spectacular growth,” said Parker.
The collaborations that this new centre will encourage are sure to see a strong growth in the outstanding research outputs in astronomy, astrophysics and astrophotonics by Macquarie University in the future.
Any enquiries from the media should be directed to:
Golda Mitchell
Phone: 02 9850 4051
Email address: golda.mitchell@mq.edu.au