On Friday 6th September 150 researchers, students, academics and external stakeholders, as well as past and present staff, came together to celebrate 50 years of operation of the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) at the University of Tasmania.
The event, opened by Professor Rufus Black, included presentations from research leaders from across the Colleges of Sciences and Engineering, and Health and Medicine. Talks highlighted where CSL facilities and expertise had provided crucial assistance to a diverse range of research programs, as well as looking forward to future research challenges. Two early career researchers, both recent PhD graduates, related how important the CSL was to their researcher training, and to their careers to date. The mission of the CSL that has remained essentially unchanged since 1974 was a consistent theme through proceedings - the support of research through access to shared high-end research infrastructure and allied expertise.
The 2024 CSL Peter W Smith Postgraduate award for excellence in published work using CSL facilities was also presented during proceedings, to Ms Jiaying Guo from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science.
In reflecting on the event, the Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering Dr Angela Castles, highlighted the enduring legacy of the CSL, saying “The CSL has been instrumental in supporting cutting-edge research that has placed Tasmania on the global scientific stage. It’s not only a facility but a foundation for so many discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of the world”.
The afternoon presented a great opportunity for researchers, staff, external partners and alumni across multiple disciplines to gather, network, and celebrate the many contributions of the CSL.
