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, and there are currently six operational. Both nanotechnology and biotechnology are highly topical areas, nationally and internationally, and nanochemistry forms a bridge between the two (ie, 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.
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 Applied Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology
American Association for Crystal Growth
