A $100 million science project run by Australia's top nuclear scientists will be open to researchers from Singapore.
The Australian Synchrotron agreement was signed on Monday in Canberra ahead of the Singapore-Australia leaders' meeting.
As big as a football field and providing a source of light a million times brighter than the sun, Australia's most expensive X-ray machine uses "beamlines" to unlock mysteries at a molecular and atomic scale.
Intense light from the synchrotron can be used to reveal the innermost secrets of the COVID-19 virus, human cells, ancient artefacts, plants and metals.
Synchrotron head Andrew Peele said the new partnership with the National University of Singapore would encourage collaboration with Australia's world-class scientists who are doing essential research.
Using the powerful machine instead of waiting for a spare slot at similar European or American facilities, scientists hope to lead sub-microscopic discoveries that solve big challenges in medicine, industry and the environment.
"This agreement demonstrates that Australia's strong track record in operating the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton and the Australian Synchrotron research program is recognised internationally," Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said.
Researchers from Melbourne's Monash University are examining oceanic phytoplankton and how it reacts to climate change.
Others want to improve in-vitro fertilisation by looking at what happens inside an egg cell.
Scientists from CSIRO booked the first user experiment this month on a new beamline to investigate how gas under pressure permeated the pores in samples of coke and coal.
"It is similar to a hospital CT or CAT scan but more powerful," lead instrument scientist Andrew Stevenson said.
It can be used to make high-resolution 3D images of small samples, including bone, minerals, biomass for biofuels, 3D-printed components, textiles and fossils, he said.
Scientists have used the technology overseas to make medicines, create flat-screen computers and jet engines that last longer, as well as smoother chocolate and more absorbent disposable nappies.
The methods are also vital for the next generation of computer chips, lithium batteries and solar panels and new alloys for the safe storage of future fuels such as liquid hydrogen.
A series of beamlines are being developed, funded by the Victorian and federal governments, research partner New Zealand and - for the next five years - Singapore.
"Synchrotron techniques hold immense potential for advancing fundamental knowledge across various scientific fields," Singapore National Research Foundation director Jasbir Singh said.
