Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC)

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Who we are

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The Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC) is the largest shared facility in Australia. It consists of 25 labs that offer unparalleled analytical capabilities, expertise, training and instrumentation to enable breakthrough scientific research in a wide variety of fields.

Our unique centralised model is designed to improve visibility of facilities, streamline access and maximise investment. It allows us to not only support UNSW staff and students, but also researchers from other institutions, government and industry partners.

400+

Major scientific instruments

130+

Academic & technical staff

3,500+

Users per year
Contact us
Our leadership team
Funding partners:

Our capabilities

Chemical & materials analysis
Biomedical & biological analysis
Pre-clinical and clinical support services
Statistical & bioinformatic analysis
Instrument testing & development with commercial suppliers
Complementary research services
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Find an instrument
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Why we are unique

Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW Kensington campus
Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW Kensington campus
Largest shared facility in Australia
Our centralised model enables researchers and industry to access major scientific instrumentation and research capabilities across 25 labs. We provide full-service, independent use, and training.
Explore facilities
Concierge service for industry
Our Chemical Consulting Lab offers end-to-end management of industry projects, from defining objectives and identifying key facilities to reporting and documentation.
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NCRIS facilities
The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) is a government initiative that coordinates funding and open access to core research facilities. MWAC hosts the Biological Resources Imaging Lab (BRIL) and Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU).
NCRIS labs
AC Lab System
Developed at MWAC, we've simplified instrument visibility and booking through the use of our online platform with the cutting-edge digital solution, this service includes a comprehensive resource catalogue, linked calendars, sample tracking, consumable usage logbook, data reports and invoicing.
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Our service models

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Full-service

All users are eligible for full-service facility access for a variety of equipment across all of our labs.

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Training

Our specialised staff provide training for all lab users to achieve industry standard operational ability.

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Independent use

Users may be eligible to use MWAC equipment independently once trained by our expert staff.

Researchers

Training, access and fees vary by facility. Please visit the individual facility page for detailed information.
Find a facility
Find an instrument
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Technicians working wutg JEOL elecrron microscope in EMU lab

Industry partners

Chemical Consulting Lab (CCL) acts as a concierge to connect you with the broad scope of MWAC’s capabilities. Contact our team for a free initial consultation.
    • Liaise with labs to develop your analytical plan & timeline
    • Facilitate tours & ongoing consultation with labs
    • Manage your project end-to-end
    • Deliver your solution & reporting
    • Handle payment by credit card or invoice
    • Materials characterisation
    • Product development
    • Medical devices & health
    • Contamination & manufacturing investigations
    • Plastics & polymers
    • Legal & insurance work
Get in touch
Book a tour

Resources

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MWAC SharePoint
Important information for all UNSW-affiliated researchers, staff and students.
Go to SharePoint
Electron Microscope Unit
Lab booking system
AC Lab System allows researchers to book facilities and instruments.
Go to ACLS
Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility
Core facilities handbook
Download our guide to MWAC core facilities.
Download now

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