The Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research, teaching and service centre which plays an integral role within the science programs of The University of Queensland, participating both in undergraduate and postgraduate education.  The Centre provides access to expert advice and training in cutting edge imaging, microscopy and microanalysis techniques using electrons, X-rays, ions and photons. The CMM is a foundation member of the Queensland Node of Microscopy Australia which was established in 2007 under the Commonwealth Government’s National Collaborative Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Website

https://cmm.centre.uq.edu.au/

Organisation type

• National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme
• Research Infrastructure Co-investment Fund facility
• University Research Centre

Number of research staff

20-100 research staff

Address

AIBN, Building 75, Cooper Road, St Lucia QLD 4067

Strengths and capabilities

• Electron microscopy services
• Advanced sample preparation
• Cryo-electron microscopy
• Electron diffraction and microanalysis
• X-ray diffraction and scattering
• Surface analysis and science
• Electron probe microanalysis
• Chemical and molecular surface analysis
• 3D Data visualization
• Data and image analysis and processing
• Electron beam lithography
• Imaging mass spectrometry
• Crystallography
• Micro and nano characterisation expertise
• Mineral, mining, metal and recycling characterisation hub.

Facilities and major equipment

• Transmission electron microscopes (TEM & STEM)
• Scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
• Cryo electron microscopes (CryoEM)
• Focused ion beam microscopes and manufacturing (FIB)
• Surface chemistry and structural analysers
• X-ray and Photon thin film analyser
• X-ray powder and micro diffractometers
• Small and wide angle X-ray scattering
• Electron and X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy
• Electronand X-ray microanalysis
• Electron beam lithography & Nanofabrication instruments
• Imaging mass spectrometry instruments (Maldi, Desi & SIMS)
• Crystallography instruments (access to ANSTO Beamlines)
• Microscopy sample preparation facilities including cryo preparation
• Cleanroom
• Physical Containments Class 2 (PC2) laboratories

Lead researchers

• Professor Roger Wepf—Pioneered cryo-preparation, microscopy & connectivity tools for light, and electron and analytical imaging.
• Professor Rob Parton—Professor Parton is an expert in cellular electron microscopy. His work has helped uncover the cause of a number of human diseases.
• Professor Jin Zou—Pro Zou's research has led to over 560 publications, 12,500+ citations, an H-index of 54 and the development of advanced materials.

Achievements of the centre

• Enabled Vaxxas Nanopatch, patented needleless drug and vaccine delivery technology
• Enabled the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) to develop advanced composite materials to help protect acyrlis, polycarbonate, nylons and polyesters, which led to the establishment of Tenasitech, later sold to RTP Co.
• Supported a novel vaccine technology developed by Prof Paul Young, Dr Daniel Watterson, Dr Keith Chappell Published in The Lancet: Infectious Diseases which led to foundation of the company Vicebio and to establish a global vaccine centre - The Translational Science Hub
• Enabled Analog Quantum Circuits, a start-up company developing microwave technologies for superconducting quantum computers.

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Biotechnology
• Defence, aviation and space
• Energy
• Engineering
• Environment and nature
• Food and agriculture
• Health and medical
• Mining/resources
• Quantum and advanced technologies
• Transport
• Tropical