Facilities

Within AAO’s new state-of-the-art hardware laboratories, workshops, and over-sized integration hall, researchers will design, develop and construct the tools to answer the Universe’s biggest questions.

The new precinct will also provide exceptional resources for students in our innovative courses, serve as a dynamic living lab for researchers, and house state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• the FORUM auditorium for stakeholder engagement
• mega-labs for student-centred project-based learning
• rapid prototyping facilities
• human-powered vehicle design and manufacturing
• MQ Robotics and drone facilities
• renewable and smart grid lab
• Future Communications lab
• MQ Orbital
• dedicated virtual reality spaces
• dedicated student presentation zones
• a fully equipped mechanical engineering workshop.

The co-location of AAO and the School of Engineering ensures our staff and students have access to

• world-class facilities
• authentic industry-led learning experiences
• seamless collaboration with engineering experts working on the frontiers of technology with international impact.

The observatory’s extensive array of telescopes include:

• a 24” CDK600 f/6.5 telescope with a fibre-feed to a spectrograph in the research lab for deep-sky viewing
• multiple Meade and Celestron models (16", 12", 10", 9.25", and 8")
• Dobsonian telescopes
• specialised imaging equipment such as:
  • the TEC 140mm ED APO
  • Explore Scientific telescopes.

The facility also features a Project PANOPTES setup and a 3.2-metre radio telescope operable remotely from the campus physics lab.

Find out more about the observatory.

The 11-hectare Fauna Park, adjacent to an endangered Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, features:

• climate-controlled animal housing
• semi-natural outdoor enclosures
• an artificial stream
• large ponds
• a seawater facility
• specialised enclosures for different species.

These facilities provide researchers and students with excellent resources for behavioural and ecological studies in both controlled and semi-natural environments.

Learn more about the Fauna Park.

The Games Teaching Lab includes 24 high-end gaming PCs with the latest graphics hardware, equipped with industry-standard game development software, including game engines and tools to support:

• 3D modelling and animation
• asset creation
• other software development processes.

The lab includes a dedicated virtual reality space with a fleet of VR headsets and gaming controllers for student game development projects, plus the latest video game consoles and a library of reference games for student research.

Here, the games team actively push the boundaries of game design, in a space set up for us to run experiments which explore how players respond to different kinds of games and VR experiences.

The lab is equipped with eight high-performance gaming PCs and the latest VR headsets, along with a variety of biometric monitoring equipment to record players':

• eye-gaze
• heart rate
• skin conductance
• brain activity.

With these tools, we can better understand how design decisions affect players’ behaviour and experience, informing the next generation of game makers and researchers. We encourage students to take part in games research projects in the lab, where they are exposed to advanced techniques they can apply when playtesting their own games.

Our research areas span a wide variety of applications, including:

• high power lasers for dealing with space junk
• compact devices for optical communications and telescope instrumentation
• high precision imaging and targeting of cancer cells in the brain.

We teach photonics and related subjects in the Bachelor of Science Physics and Astronomy and Astrophysics majors. Working in more than 40 laser labs across campus, our Higher Degree Research students have won many awards for their research, and our researchers hold over 25 licensed patents. Many of our alumni have built successful careers in industry and government labs here in Sydney, and they continue to engage with Macquarie through supervision of internships and PACE projects.

The PGF contains sixteen glasshouses fitted with a range of enhancements, including:

• full computerisation and remote monitoring and control
• supplementary blue and red spectrum LED lighting for photosynthesis
• tightly maintained temperature control
• sophisticated CO2 dosing and monitoring enabling climate change simulations.

Research at PGF spans a wide range of areas, including:

• climate change
• environmental sciences
• ecology
• genomics
• plant physiology
• proteomics.

Learn more about the Plant Growth Facility.

The MQ Drone Lab team is Australia’s top-ranked mobile computing research group, with a history of patented and award-winning work.

Our leading-edge research projects include such topics as:

• autonomous AI/ML-assisted navigation and landing of drones
• drone swarm lift
• mid-air battery swap for drones
• drone photonic systems
• security and privacy for drones.

Find out more about the Macquarie Drone Lab.

The Al Centre focuses on pioneering advancements in machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision, providing students with hands-on experience in developing AI applications that address real-world challenges.

The Data Science Lab offers a vibrant and collaborative environment where students engage in transformative projects across various domains, from education to health and finance, leveraging big data analytics and predictive modelling.

Together, these labs offer unparalleled opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the dynamic fields of Al and data science, working alongside leading experts and gaining skills that are highly sought after in today's digital age.

MMS is equipped with a wide range of tools and technologies, from 3D printers and laser cutters to hand tools and power tools, along with equipment for electronics, sewing and woodworking.

Outcomes include:

• enhancing student engagement and skill development
• enhancing research
• building an engaged and enthusiastic community of users to inspire and support others.

SIMS conducts multidisciplinary marine research on impacts of climate change and urbanisation, eco-engineering and habitat restoration, ocean resources and technologies, and outcomes of marine management approaches.

The SIMS research facility at Chowder Bay on Middle Head serves as a non-remote field station for marine science in Sydney Harbour.

Facilities include vessels and capability for launch and retrieval on site, five modern research laboratories, including a Marine Microbial Biotoxins Facility and a research aquarium with specialised systems for environmental control, 24/7 technical support, and on-site field accommodation.

Marine scientists at Macquarie University lead and participate in a range of significant projects including:

• Living Seawalls
• The Gamay Initiative
• Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS)
• Sydney Harbour Research Program
• the World Harbour Project.