Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory

🎄 Merry Christmas from the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) 🎄 This Christmas, we’re keeping in mind those in our community who have been affected by the Grampians bushfires. We are grateful for the tireless work of emergency services, firefighters, and volunteers who are supporting our region during this challenging time. 2024 has been a year of growth and foundation-building for SUPL. We’re looking forward to a busy year ahead, with exciting research activity on the horizon and continued progress on the feasibility study for a potential Dark Matter Experience Centre in Stawell. Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season. Here’s to a bright and productive 2025! #Christmas2024 #SUPL #DarkMatter #communitysupport With thanks to Alasdair Niven for the artwork. www.aniven.art

SUPL has had the pleasure of welcoming talented artists to explore the fascinating intersections between dark matter research and creativity. Four artists with deep connections to Stawell were invited to delve into the creative potential of our underground laboratory. 🎨 Artists in Action Local talents Khal Lawton and Alasdair Niven, joined by former Stawell residents Ali McCann and Mat Watson, immersed themselves in the unique environment of SUPL. They embarked on a journey to interpret the mysteries of the universe through their artistic lens. The artists have now completed their second visit and are hard at work crafting pieces inspired by their time underground. We can't wait to see the results of this inspiring collaboration that brings together the worlds of science and art. Looking ahead, we hope to offer this unique opportunity to a new selection of artists each year, continuing to foster creative exploration in this extraordinary space. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project unfolds! ✨👩🎨👨🔬 www.aniven.art www.alimccann.com.au www.matwatson.co #SUPL #ArtMeetsScience #DarkMatter #StawellArtists #CreativityInScience

As 2024 draws to a close, we say a heartfelt farewell to Dr Sue Barrell AO FTSE, whose term as Independent Director and Chair of the SUPL Board comes to an end. Over the past three years, Sue has been a driving force behind SUPL’s growth, bringing innovative ideas, strategic thinking, and boundless energy to the role. Thanks to her efforts, SUPL has become more visible on the national and international stage, and her work has laid a strong foundation for our future success. Sue’s passion for building connections with our partners and stakeholders, as well as her commitment to fostering a positive organisational culture, has truly made a lasting impact. We’re so grateful for everything Sue has done for SUPL. Her leadership and vision will be missed, but her legacy will continue to guide us forward. Thank you, Sue, for everything! 💙 #SUPL #ThankYou #Leadership #Farewell

Quantic Wenzel and ARC EQUS researchers are teaming up at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) to study how cosmic rays affect quartz crystal oscillators. This groundbreaking research could transform timekeeping tech and deepen our understanding of fundamental physics! ⏱️✨ #QuantumTech #PhysicsInnovation #SUPL. 

SUPL invites expressions of interest to undertake this comprehensive feasibility study into the development of a state-of-the-art Dark Matter Experience Centre in Stawell. For all enquiries, please contact the DMEC Project Manager Paul Matthews (additional contact details in the attached EOI). EOI submissions are due by COB Friday 24 January 2025.

We are delighted to announce that Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) is the recipient of an Enabling Tourism Grant from the Victorian Government.   The grant will enable us to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study to establish a state-of-the-art Science Outreach Centre in Stawell, styled as the Dark Matter Experience Centre (DMEC) that promises to attract new visitors to the region supporting local business and accommodation providers.   This places Stawell on track to become an innovative and inspirational centre for scientific research and educational outreach, bringing together a world-class underground research facility and a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) outreach centre.   Special thanks to Northern Grampians Shire Council, Stawell Gold Mines, University of Melbourne and Swinburne University of Technology for their support of our application. 

International underground lab expert Nigel Smith of TRIUMF enjoyed the opportunity to tour the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory at Stawell Gold Mines yesterday. Dr Smith has a long history leading the development of underground physics laboratories, as ED and CEO at TRIUMF since 2021 and spending 12 years at the helm of Canada’s deep underground research laboratory, SNOLAB in Ontario. Previously, he was behind the development of the Boulby Underground Laboratory in the UK. As chair of the CDM's International Scientific Advisory Committe (ISAC), Dr Smith said he enjoyed supporting the development of the SABRE South experiment at SUPL. “The opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge is something that really gets me out of bed in the morning. I also find seeing and being part of the development of early career talent as individuals, leaders and scientists to be very rewarding. Over the years I’ve realised that the science is secondary to the importance of developing talent and building national capacity. It’s incredibly powerful to know that we are building an environment where people can thrive." Dr Smith toured the facility with ISAC member Tony Ghergetta of the University of Minnesota, CDM Director Elisabetta Barberio and SUPL Facility and Labortory Manager Kim Mintern-Lane.

The Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory were thrilled to be included in the second edition of this book by The Eden Project, which promotes the idea that beneficial uses can be derived from repurposed mines and infrastructure. The book is available for sale in Australia through enviroMETS QLD. https://lnkd.in/gxzbuiwt

We highly recommend heading to Ballarat next Wednesday 7 August to hear Professor Barberio from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics provide a free public talk about the dark matter research being conducted at SUPL. https://lnkd.in/gim3aCss

Welcome to the official LinkedIn page for the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL). SUPL is Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere's only deep underground research laboratory. Follow for the latest on what we're doing 1km beneath Stawell.