National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF) have launched the National Synchrotron Programme (NSP) to promote and anchor synchrotron research in the country.

As part of the launch, NUS and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) have signed an agreement giving Singapore researchers preferred access to the Australian Synchrotron. 

Under the ISA initiative, a five-year collaboration agreement was signed between NUS and ANSTO that allows Singapore researchers to use ANSTO’s synchrotron facilities in Melbourne. 

Hosted by NUS, the S$16 million NSP brings together all Singapore-based research institutions, agencies, and industry into a vibrant ecosystem of synchrotron-related research. This will advance knowledge, create unique tools and techniques, and develop the talent to light-up Singapore’s synchrotron efforts globally. 

The NSP will coordinate resources for synchrotron research locally at the Singapore Synchrotron Light Source (SSLS), and overseas through the International Synchrotron Access (ISA) initiative that complements the capabilities of the current facility. 

Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology), said, “Synchrotron facilities are crucial to many disciplines such as the life sciences, materials science, environmental analysis, and micro/nano fabrication. Advancements in synchrotron research have enabled scientists to probe a wide range of materials and conduct scientific experiments that eventually lead to important discoveries".