Nanochemistry Research Institute
The Nanochemistry Research Institute (NRI) at Curtin University of Technology was founded by Professor Gordon Parkinson, and is currently directed by Prof Eric Bakker. It is comprised of academic staff members, postdoctoral fellows, as well as PhD, Honours and 3rd project students. The research undertaken by the group ranges from government-funded fundamental research to confidential one-on-one industrial projects. The NRI is also part of the West Australian Nanochemistry Institute (WANRI) that comprises groups from Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.
The Research Institute is the highest level of recognition of research excellence within Curtin University. Both nanotechnology and biotechnology are highly topical areas, nationally and internationally, and nanochemistry forms a bridge between the two (i.e., it spans physical and life sciences). During the past decade, Curtin has built the expertise and techniques in areas (such as crystallization and materials characterisation) that naturally lead into a substantial nanochemistry capability. It is thus timely to establish a Research Institute as a vehicle for focussing on strategic areas of research within nanochemistry in order both to enhance the reputation for research excellence, and also to bring the research to commercial fruition.
News
A/Prof Damien Arrigan joins the NRI and the Chemistry Department.
We have the pleasure to welcome A/Prof Damien Arrigan to the NRI and the Chemistry Department. He joins us from the Tyndall Institute in Cork, Ireland, where he lead a well funded and active research group in the area of chemical sensors, electrochemistry, microfluidics and nanofabrication. As a WANRI Associate Professor, Damien will build an independent research program at Curtin University as well.
Right: An example of a nanopore membrane patterned using e-beam lithography, together with a typical voltammogram for ion transfer across liquid-liquid interfaces located in the pores.
Big expectations on a miniature scale.
From within the spectacular new Resources and Chemistry Precinct at Curtin, Professor Julian Gale is rebuilding the fundamental structures of some of nature’s most complex creations to see what makes them tick.
Download the article.
Structure
Director: Prof Eric Bakker
PA to Director: Claire Wrighton
Projects Coordinator: Bayley Thomas
The Research Institute will be managed by an independent Board and guided by a panel of international experts.
Affiliations
The Institute has formal links with a number of organisations, as well as less formal collaborative links with research groups around the world. Some links:
Parker Cooperative Research Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions
Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology
American Association for Crystal Growth
