ANSTO is exploring approaches to continue to meet the challenges of a changing scientific landscape and is considering a ’world first’ virtual entity based on the diffraction and scattering of neutrons, X-rays and electrons.
“We want to build on the achievements of Bragg Institute researchers, who have made significant contributions to neutron scattering science and society over the past thirteen years —forging a reputation using ANSTO’s outstanding scientific infrastructure of neutron beam instruments,” said CEO Dr Adi Paterson.
“At this stage, we are seeking consultation with scattering scientists to help us re-conceptualise the Bragg Institute to take it forward,” said Paterson
“Like all organisations we must keep relevant, that means continuously evaluating how we demonstrate our legitimacy to staff, users, partners, government and society, while preserving everyone’s best interests,” said Paterson.
ANSTO is re-vitalising its research portfolio, which has necessitated moving away from the traditional research institute model.
Research institutes were initially conceived at the beginning of the 20th century as organisations that could reinvigorate science by recognising scientific expertise and its application under competent leaders.
“In some ways, we are at a similar point in time. Changing policy frameworks, abandonment of the linear model of innovation and the need to demonstrate relevance to society have created a different climate for scientific investigation.”
“There is a good opportunity to embrace technological advancements and consider the concept of a virtual academy as opposed to a physical location.” Virtual engagement empowers collaboration without regard to geographic constraints.
The creation of a virtual institute or academy would be twofold. It would recognise the contribution of researchers who use Bragg scattering techniques expertly with neutron or X-rays and constitute an influential think tank to guide scattering research in the long term.
“Members of the new entity could have the opportunity to endorse plans for the future development of diffraction facilities in Australia and potentially guide long term pursuits in scattering research and development,” said Paterson.
“Advances in science often emerge at the interface of different disciplines. We are seeing more and more of this, where researchers are combining techniques for answers.”
“A virtual institute could foster stronger linkages between researchers who use scattering instruments at ANSTO and the wider international scattering community.”
Scattering techniques, originally developed by Australian physicists William and Lawrence Bragg in the early part of the 20th century, can be used with neutrons, X-rays and electrons or in combination with microscopy to determine underlying structures and mechanisms.
Although it is more than a hundred year old, crystallography continues to be a powerful tool in revealing atomic structure in biology, earth and planetary sciences, materials science with wide applications in industry.
Both the Bragg Institute using neutrons from the OPAL research reactor and the Australian Synchrotron using X-rays from the synchrotron source are the leading contributors to scattering science in Australia.
With the addition of the Australian Synchrotron to ANSTO’s portfolio, it is an opportune moment to create synergy from the amalgamation which is consistent with an integrated research infrastructure.
“We are evolving from an ‘institute model’ of research to a more modern structure which integrates research, innovation, and infrastructure,” said Paterson.
“Although no formal decisions have been made on how the virtual institute would operate, it is envisioned that there would be an academy component to recognise excellence in scattering.”
The two-tiered entity might comprise Bragg Fellows, highly esteemed researchers who made a significant contribution to scattering in Australia and Bragg members, who are senior instrument scientists and accomplished users.
“We would expect Bragg Fellows and Bragg members to guide scientists and engineers to deliver the best outcomes in their research,” said Paterson.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research comprise 13 virtual institutes, comprising networks of researchers who focus on specific health problems. The National Cancer Institute in the US operates Team Science to leverage the strengths and expertise of professionals trained in different fields.
The Helmholz German Research Centre operates two virtual institutes:
Helmholtz Virtual Institute DESERVE for atmosphere and climate research with earth science and water research and Helmholz Virtual Institute ICLEA for climate and landscape development studies.