The Commonwealth Special Research Centre for Lasers and Applications was established in 1988 under the Commonwealth Special Research Centres scheme. The Centre functions within the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry. The purpose of the Centre for Lasers and Applications is, primarily, to develop laser devices and systems and to investigate and implement their applications, particularly in medical and industrial technology. Initial emphasis is upon the use of lasers as therapeutic, diagnostic and surgical tools, especially in the treatment of cancers. The Centre focuses on developments most appropriate to Australia's potential role in the international high-tech market, and technology developed by the Centre will be transferred to Australian industry for commercialisation and export.
Special emphasis is on the facilitating of postgraduate training in laser physics.
The Centre operates in several research laboratories located within the two Departments, and over 30 staff and postgraduate students are engaged in its work. Professor James Piper , BSc PhD Otago. The Centre has established a research program which integrates fundamental and applied research vital to the development of appropriate techniques for the management of captive and wild populations of marsupials. There are three strongly linked research sub-programs and an education and training program. The Education and Training Program targets all levels of education to produce an informed society, trained practitioners, innovative researchers and equipped policy makers able to apply their skills and knowledge to issues in wildlife management.