Partnership will enhance global scientific collaboration

Melbourne, Australia – A new scientific collaboration partnership between McMaster University and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia will be strengthened with $150,000 in funding from the Ontario government.

Researchers from both universities will share knowledge, ideas and resources including McMaster’s powerful Titan electron microscope.

Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson made the announcement in Melbourne, Australia, where he took part in an event to celebrate the partnership.

The funding is being made available through Ontario’s International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) and will support cutting-edge work by researchers at McMaster University’s Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM).

The funding will also help McMaster establish a worldwide program to put the CCEM at the forefront of international research in electron microscopy, as well as help researchers develop new techniques for using the instrument.

The funding builds on the $7.15 million that Ontario says it has already invested in McMaster’s electron microscopy programs.

“This collaboration between McMaster and Monash – along with our growing network of international partners – is building a bridge to share knowledge, instrumentation, expertise and new ideas,” said Mo Elbestawi, vice-president of research and international affairs at McMaster University. “McMaster is home to the world’s most powerful electron microscope: through this program, we’re now able to bring the world’s brightest minds and best ideas together to create tomorrow’s discoveries.”