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Getting started at Sydney Analytical
Key Information
All enquiries sent to sydney.analytical@sydney.edu.au will be redirected to the appropriate staff member.
If you are already in contact with one of our staff you are also welcome to email or speak to them directly.
After we receive your enquiry, our staff will work with you to put together a viable project design, taking into account factors such as experimental scope, instrument requirements, and budget.
- If you have a University of Sydney ‘Unikey’ credential, your first step is to enrol in the Sydney Analytical Canvas course for links to the general induction material, induction quiz and training material. If you do not have a Unikey please request one from your Sydney Analytical staff contact.
- Once you have completed the general induction, log in to EZbooking to update your profile and create a new project. Your project will be assessed by Sydney Analytical staff to determine if a risk assessment is required, and the project details will be sent to your supervisor for approval.
- Most usage of Sydney Analytical equipment or services will require a risk assessment. We prefer that you use our risk assessment form.
- Access to laboratories will be granted once appropriate training has been undertaken and a lab and building induction has been completed.
- If you have a University of Sydney staff or student card, and you have been inducted into the laboratory, you may request access here.
- If you do not have a University of Sydney staff or student card please notify your Sydney Analytical staff contact. Please register and then complete the External User Access Induction module to obtain an access card.
Vibration Spectroscopy Node - A Duty Spectroscopist is available during working hours in case you need support. To contact them call 0479 179 925.
Most equipment in Sydney Analytical is charged on a per hour basis, some services are charged per service. For complex services, such as protein production and sample polishing, a quote will be provided before service begins.
External (non-commercial) rates (pdf, 126KB)
Internal users benefit from a progressive volume discount that increases with usage.
Did you know? If you are a University of Sydney researcher at postdoctoral level and above, you may be eligible for support through the Sydney Research Infrastructure Access Grants program (formerly 'Core Research Facilities User Access Scheme').
These grants support access to Core Research Facilities and Research Service Units for high-quality research by researchers whose opportunities may otherwise be limited. This program supports the University's strategic goals in research excellence and diversity and inclusion.
Download the grant guidelines (pdf, 660kB) for details.
Our analytical techniques and expertise are highly complementary to those offered by Major Facilities such as the Australian Synchrotron, the OPAL neutron source, and overseas x-ray, light and neutron sources. Our staff have extensive experience in supporting users at these facilities, and offer a range of services, including:
- planning advice for experiments on our lab instruments, in order to provide valuable preliminary data,
- expert advice on planning your experiment and optimising your beamtime application,
- training on analysis techniques and software, and
- staff who can accompany research teams to major facilities to assist in experiments, under certain circumstances.
Our staff also have experience in using the following techniques at major facilities:
- powder X-ray and neutron diffraction
- X-ray and neutron small angle scattering
- single-crystal diffraction (including for proteins),
- X-ray adsorption spectroscopy
- X-ray fluorescence microscopy
- soft X-ray methods
When writing up your research please remember to acknowledge the role of our facilities and expertise.
Acknowledgments demonstrate that investments in equipment and people have led to important outcomes. Your publications, presentations, and posters are a vital part of the business case for ongoing funding of Sydney Analytical.
Here are sample statements of acknowledgement:
- "The authors acknowledge the facilities and the scientific and technical assistance of Sydney Analytical, a core research facility at The University of Sydney.”
- “This research was facilitated by access to Sydney Analytical, a core research facility at the University of Sydney”
- “We thank <insert name(s) of staff member(s)> for assistance and advice with <insert type of work> that was carried out at Sydney Analytical, a core research facility at the University of Sydney.”
Please let us know if you have published a paper acknowledging us.
Training is one of the primary roles of our facility. All users are provided with one-on-one training when they start using any equipment within the facility. The level of training will range from routine operation to more advanced techniques depending on the users research requirements.
We run a range of workshops providing an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of measurements and analysis.
We have an established track record of providing high quality consulting services to a wide range of clients, including multinationals, small-to-medium enterprises, government departments and public utilities. Previous projects have included studies of microplastics, structure determination, characterisation of unknown contaminants, synthesis of proteins and assisting in process/quality control.
Contact us to initiate a confidential discussion of your requirements.