Background

Materials research at fundamental and applied levels uses advanced tools and techniques to characterise and understand materials properties and performance. CMR’s research staff are internationally recognised for their expertise in understanding materials structures and corrosion processes using X-ray, synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering techniques, electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. CMR focuses both on new materials developments that have the potential for enormous benefit for society in the future and also on meeting current challenges faced by varied industries.

Collaborating within key national alliances, with international research institutions, and with private sector companies, the level of engagement on national and international levels which the Centre has with public institutions and private sector companies is exceedingly high. In terms of economic and environmental impact, the Centre's research projects involving geopolymers and ceramics address both short term needs of industry and long term developments for society.

With new, state-of-the-art equipment and skilled research and technical staff, CMR is a centre both for leading edge research in materials characterisation and for the provision of advanced analytical services to industry and other research groups.

CMR is currently headed by Professor Arie van Riessen and has a complement of around 25 members, including staff, postdoctoral fellows, and postgraduate and fourth-year Honours students.

The Centre is located in the John de Laeter building (Building 301) on the Curtin Bentley campus.

Vision

CMR aspires:

• to be internationally prominent in its chosen research activities that will have a beneficial impact on society;
• to be an internationally acknowledged contributor to advances in knowledge in materials science;
• to build productive research and development collaborations on both national and international levels.

Mission

CMR aims to provide an environment that fosters excellence in teaching and research and is committed to training skilled postgraduate researchers who are highly sought after in both public and private sectors.

To achieve its aims, the Centre recognises the importance of developing collaborative partnerships with other research groups, individuals and the private sector that will lead to positive outcomes for the benefit of society as a whole; of supporting its staff – academic, technical and administrative – in their personal development and efforts to realise their potential; and of managing its resources – human and technical – effectively in striving to achieve its goals.

Values

• Academic rigour, excellence and creativity.
• Open-mindedness and approachability.
• Recognition of both individual and team efforts and achievements.
• Acknowledgement that all members of staff will have constructive input to the Centre’s ongoing development.