Multimedia Victoria - Governor launches giant microscope centre

Governor launches giant microscope centre


News - 18 March 2009

The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, AC, officially opened the Monash Micro Imaging (MMI) Advanced Optical Imaging Facility last night at Monash University.

The facility demonstrates the value of government investment and partnerships with our leading universities and research centres. The MMI Advanced Optical Imaging Facility will provide Victorian researchers with world-class equipment for advanced microscopy and strengthens Victoria’s international reputation for medical research.

This purpose-built imaging facility makes the MMI one of the premier imaging centres in Australia. It will play a major role in enabling our outstanding scientists to perform the fundamental research that underlies the breakthroughs that will improve the health, prosperity and safety of all Victorians.

In addition, MMI also provides training and skills development in using this high-resolution automated equipment so that our researchers have access to highly skilled staff who can provide specialist advice and training.

The new facility includes a giant, wall-sized, 46-megapixel tiled screen that allows researchers to visualise microscopy images at high resolution while also viewing the entire image.

The $2 million MMI Advanced Optical Imaging Facility was funded through the Australian Regenerative Medicine institute (ARMI), a $153 million joint venture between the Victorian Government and Monash University as part of the Healthy Futures Life Sciences Statement announced on 4 April 2006.

Since 2000, the Victorian Government has invested $3 billion in science, technology and innovation to strengthen our innovation economy, and create the conditions for continued economic growth.