What are Characterisation Capabilities?
Collections of instrumentation, together with highly qualified support services, that allow state-of-the-art measurement of the chemical, physical and structural properties of matter.

Members of the Characterisation Council:

The Characterisation Council consists of five independent members and representatives of the four Facilities presently funded through the NCRIS process.

Independent members:

Roger Price, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth.
Christine Scala, Defence Services Technical Organisation.
Bob Watts, Technology Consultant, Cherrybrook, Chair.
Erich Weigold, The Australian National University.
Jim Williams, The Australian National University.

Facility Representatives:

Graham Galloway, National Imaging Facility, University of Queensland.
Steve Gower, Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne.
Peter Holden, National Deuteration Facility, ANSTO.
Simon Ringer, Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, University of Sydney.

Objectives of Characterisation Council:

• To ensure that the four Facilities progress in the same direction;
  
• To identify synergies across the four Facilities to give a capability that is greater than the sum of its parts;
  
• To monitor and comment on business plans and reports;
  
• To advise the NCRIS Committee on progress towards goals;
  
• To develop a broad strategic view of future challenges and directions;
  
• To prepare for new funding opportunities as they emerge;
  
• To contribute to reviews of NCRIS road maps.
  

Activities undertaken to meet these objectives:

• Enhance awareness of the Characterisation Capability.
  
• Encourage scientists to utilize the instrumentation contained within the characterisation facilities;
  
• Identify significant facilities not represented in the present Characterisation Capability;
  
• Identify significant gaps in coverage and recognise new technical developments at an early stage.
  
• Determine a common strategic direction for the Capability as a whole;
  
• Encourage interactions between the Characterization Capability and other NCRIS Capabilities;
  
• Ensure that Road Maps and future planning for the Facilities are consistent with plans generated by the four Boards.
  
• Ensure that staff positions are occupied by high quality staff and that career pathways are in place for facility technical personnel.
  
• Encourage a better policy for travel and accommodation support to early career researchers and poorly supported graduate students.
  
• Facilitate submission of proposals for additional funding, including preparing a “Plan B” in case future NCRIS funding does not materialize for any reason.