Media release
FROM THE NEW ZEALAND MINISTER OF RESEARCH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND THE VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR INNOVATION
Thursday, 3 October 2002
New Zealand Representative For Synchrotron Committee
Associate Professor Jim Metson has been appointed the New Zealand representative on the National Scientific Advisory
Committee for the Australian Synchrotron project. The appointment follows an invitation last May from Victorian Premier
Steve Bracks to New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark for a New Zealander to join the Committee.
“We are delighted about this initiative and appreciative of the Victorian State Government’s invitation for New Zealand
involvement in the Synchrotron project. Professor Metson is already familiar with the Synchrotron project. That, along
with his expertise and extensive contacts in New Zealand’s research community makes him an ideal New Zealand
representative”, said New Zealand Minister of Research Science and Technology, Pete Hodgson.
Mr Hodgson said the arrangement would help ensure New Zealand researchers were aware of opportunities to utilise the
Australian Synchrotron. “New Zealand places strong importance on the development of its research and innovation links
with Australia. Collaboration between New Zealand and Australian researchers in the Synchrotron and other projects will
result in win-win outcomes”.
Victoria’s Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, warmly welcomed Professor Metson to the committee.
“Appointing a New Zealand scientist of Professor Metson’s calibre indicates the enthusiasm of researchers and
governments beyond Australia for this regionally important project,” Mr Brumby said.
“This appointment demonstrates the importance of trans-Tasman science links, and with Professor Metson’s input we can
design a facility that will meet the broader research needs of both Australia and New Zealand.”
A synchrotron is a large and complex machine that produces beams of very intense light. It can be used as a molecular
microscope to study the composition of matter. Synchrotrons are invaluable tools for groundbreaking research in
biological and life sciences, mining and geoscience, and for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, new age materials and
micromachines. The facility in Melbourne will cost an estimated A$157 million and is expected to begin operation in
2007.
Biographical Note
James Metson is an Associate Professor with the University of Auckland Department of Chemistry, Acting Director of the
University’s Light Metals Research Centre and a past Director of the University’s Research Centre for Surface and
Materials Science. He gained his chemistry doctorate at Victoria University of Wellington and has a distinguished
reputation in the development of surface analytical techniques and in the surface chemistry and smelting technologies
for light metals, particularly aluminium.
ENDS