New Zealand and Australia strengthen partnership on world-class research infrastructure

Synchrotron science enables discovery and innovation, with New Zealand researchers delivering significant results through their partnership with the Australian Synchrotron.

MBIE General Manager Science System Investment and Performance Danette Olsen says the renewed agreement reflects the strength of our long-standing trans-Tasman partnership in science and innovation.

“This investment ensures New Zealand researchers can continue to access world-class technology that supports innovation, improves productivity, and unlocks higher-value exports in areas such as clean energy, medical technologies, and the primary sector,” Ms Olsen says.

“For a country our size, international partnerships like this are essential. They help us stay competitive, support our industries, and deliver real-world outcomes for New Zealanders.”

A synchrotron is a powerful research tool that uses extremely intense light, such as X-rays to analyse the structure and behaviour of matter at the molecular level, enabling breakthroughs in areas such as clean energy, medical technologies, environmental science, and the primary sector.

The New Zealand Government will invest $1.4 million per year over five years from 30 June 2026 through a new agreement with the New Zealand Synchrotron Group (NZSG), maintaining access to the facility operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The Government’s contribution will be matched by the research sector for a total New Zealand investment of $2.8 million per year.

New Zealand Synchrotron Group Board Chair Professor Brett Cowan says the partnership with ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron is a highly effective way for New Zealand researchers to translate ideas into impactful research outcomes.

“This agreement enables our researchers to access capabilities that support discoveries they may not otherwise be able to achieve, strengthening New Zealand’s science and innovation system.”

Access to the Australian Synchrotron has enabled New Zealand researchers to deliver real-world outcomes, including:

• developing advanced materials for cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.
• creating biomaterials for use in surgery and tissue repair.
• designing sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastics.
• improving understanding of natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions.
• enhancing aquaculture and other primary industries.
• supporting the development of higher-value export products.

“This access strengthens our science system and supports researchers and businesses in developing new technologies and solutions that benefit New Zealand”, Professor Cowan says.

New Zealand has partnered with Australia in the development and use of the Synchrotron since 2006. Because building a synchrotron in New Zealand is not viable, international collaboration is essential to maintain access to this advanced capability.

The renewed agreement reinforces both countries’ commitment to deepening science and innovation ties and maximising the value of shared research infrastructure.

This partnership is complemented by enhanced collaboration between Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) and Australia’s Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre. This collaboration further strengthens joint research infrastructure providing New Zealand researchers with access to central processing units (CPU), graphics processing units (GPU) and quantum computing capabilities at scale.

The collaboration positions Australia and New Zealand as more coordinated regional partners in digital research infrastructure, strengthening our joint voice in international fora and initiatives such as Horizon Europe.