The HIAF accelerators provide important infrastructure for the Australian research community, with applications that range from creating and characterising new and innovative materials, resource/energy exploration and waste management, research in environmental, biological and life sciences and investigating climate change, to archaeological and heritage studies, and critical investigations into nuclear science, including fundamental quantum science through systematic inquiry into nuclear behaviour and properties following collisions between atomic nuclei.
The HIAF supports a number of local research groups and provides opportunities for students to undertake research projects at a range of student levels.
The objectives of the facility are to:
- provide a world-class facility for ion-beam research, which is accessible to both Australian and International researchers,
- enhance technical and research linkages with other leading national and international ion-beam laboratories,
- support research activities of national significance, including areas such as advanced materials, quantum and nuclear science, and sustainable energy and resource use,
- provide opportunities for advanced research training for students and early-career researchers in science and technology.