Celebrating German-Australian connections
More than 50 German and Australian business leaders were introduced to ground-breaking research in nanoscale science and technology at an event held at the University of Sydney this week.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, Her Excellency Dr Anna Prinz (front row, third from right) with Founding Director of AINST Professor Thomas Maschmeyer (front row, far right), next to new AINST Director Professor Susan Pond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison (front row, fourth from right) and others, at the University of Sydney.
On Wednesday 22 February, the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) hosted a joint event with the German Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GACIC) at the AINST headquarters, the $150m Sydney Nanoscience Hub.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Michael Spence, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison and Founding Director of AINST Professor Thomas Maschmeyer opened the event by welcoming the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, Her Excellency Dr Anna Prinz, and GACIC Executive Director Kristian Wolf.
More than 50 GACIC members were introduced to ground-breaking nanoscience research in the fields of environment and energy (battery storage) and quantum computing, two flagship research areas of the AINST led by Professor Maschmeyer and Professor David Reilly.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, Her Excellency Dr Anna Prinz visited the University's Quadrangle before the main event.
Professor Maschmeyer demonstrated how research can be applied to industry with his successful spin-offs such as Gelion Ltd; while Professor Reilly provided insight into his work at the interface of physics and engineering in the quest to build reliable quantum machines, a project funded by some of the world’s biggest technology companies. Both activities are examples of how AINST research has engaged with industry.
Core Research Facilities Director and SNH Director Professor Simon Ringer discussed the capabilities of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, which was officially opened last year, and, showcased world-class facilities and tools to enable our research efforts to pave the way nanoscale science and technology nationally and internationally.
Given the importance of quantum computing for cyber security, Her Excellency Dr Prinz commented on the political aspects of cyber security. The evening concluded with a tour of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub and a networking opportunity.
