Specialist Research Facilities
The University of Waikato's Faculty of Science & Engineering is home to world-class research equipment and facilities that were established to support university teaching and research, some of which are also available for external contract work. The list below is not exhaustive, so if you don't find the service, facility or equipment that you need here, please contact us - we may be able to help.
- Electron Microscope Facility
- Mass Spectrometry Facility
- Shallow Water Mapping
- Stable Isotope Research Facilities
- University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK)
- Waikato Confocal Microscopy & Imaging
- Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility
- Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
Electron Microscope Facility
The core instruments of the Electron Microscope Facility are the Hitachi S-4700 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Quorum Technologies Cryo-system, and the Philips CM30 High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Both have x-ray analytical capability for elemental analysis.
The SEM system allows high magnification imaging and elemental analysis of small samples including hydrated materials. Sample type may range from bacteria and plant material to metal alloys. The TEM facilitates high resolution imaging of crystallographic and structural features of very thin samples. The microscopes are used predominantly for research and teaching. The SEM also has commercial applications including the imaging and analysis of contaminants, particularly important in the food, dairy and water industries where quality assurance is important.
Mass Spectrometry Facility
The Waikato Mass Spectrometry Facility operates and maintains the Faculty's range of high-performance mass spectrometers. The instrumentation supports research and teaching activities within the Faculty and a range of services are available to external institutions and industrial clients.
The facility is a Bruker Daltonics Centre of Excellence.
Shallow Water Mapping
The Faculty's Coastal Marine Group (CMG) has more than 30 years’ experience in state-of-the-art sampling, measurement and monitoring of shallow water environments. Our strength lies in applying coastal research to real-world issues – providing a scientific basis for resource management from environmental policy to engineering works. Our equipment is customised for use in small survey vessels supporting a range of mapping requirements in offshore and inland locations, particularly in coastal and shallow waters. Our multidisciplinary team can tailor its services to meet research and commercial needs.
Stable Isotope Research Facilities
The Waikato Stable Isotope Unit (WSIU) offers precision analyses of isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in biological, geological, and chemical materials by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Isotopic abundance analysis is carried out on two fully automated Europa Scientific 20/20 isotope analysers. Materials may be submitted as solids, liquids, or gases, for example, for breath analyses. Precision analyses of carbon and nitrogen content in solid or liquid samples are also provided with a LECO TruSpec Carbon/Nitrogen Determinator fitted with an autosampler for liquids.
The WSIU provides commercial analyses and also services the needs of scientists at the University of Waikato and their collaborators, promoting the use of stable isotopes in all branches of research. The unit operates under the Department of Biological Sciences and the staff are highly experienced in the use of stable isotopes, both natural abundance and enriched tracers, particularly in biological and environmental research. In 2006 the WSIU was accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency for analyses of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and isotopes 13C and 15N in plant materials.
Stable Isotope Geochemistry at the University of Waikato is carried out in a separate facility within the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. Measurements of stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios in carbonates are made with an automated Europa Scientific Penta 20/20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer with CAPS preparation system. Determinations on prepared CO2 can also be performed.
University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK)
Founded in 1972, the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK) is located on the first floor of D Block, Room D.1.14, in the Faculty of Science & Engineering, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton). The herbarium is staffed and maintained by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research (CBER). It is housed in a temperature controlled room and is a PC1 containment facility. WAIK services requirements for systematic botanical research and identification of plants for the University, education of University of Waikato students, other government and public organisations, and individuals. It functions to serve as a repository for voucher specimens, with a focus on the plants of the greater Waikato. Inquire for costs of specialist taxonomic services.
Waikato Confocal Microscopy & Imaging
The Waikato Confocal Microscopy & Imaging facility offers a broad range of microscopy and photography services. A comprehensive platform for confocal laser scanning microscopy including spectral deconvolution, live-cell imaging and powerful post-processing software for analysis and 3D reconstruction. Services include:
- Conventional photomicroscopy including epi-flourescence and all transmitted light modes.
- High resolution still, time-lapse and video imaging.
- Extended depth-of-field imaging using AutoMontage.
- Photomacrography, close-up and general technical photography.
Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility
The Waikato DNA Sequencing Unit offers molecular biology core services based on the LifeTech 3130xl Genetic Analyser, Roche GS Junior and LifeTech Ion Torrent PGM systems, providing sequencing and genotyping for researchers from single-stranded, double-stranded, PCR-derived, genomic and environmental DNA templates.
Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory
The Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory is a national radiocarbon facility undertaking both Standard Radiometric Dating and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Dating (AMS). The facility is an independent unit within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and has been operating for more than 25 years. It is funded by external commercial customers and research grants, and is used to support radiocarbon dating and Faculty of Science & Engineering research programmes. Staff in the unit are actively involved in palaeoclimate and archaeological research and have a leading role in international calibration programmes.
Waikato University is world-renowned for its research into the healing powers of manuka honey, and work continues every year to expand the knowledge around honey’s active compounds.