The Australian Synchrotron’s director, Keith Nugent, is leaving the Melbourne facility to become deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president of research at La Trobe University, Melbourne, it was announced on 21 August.
The Synchrotron, which has struggled for funding, could come under federal control. Negotiations are under way for the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organization to take over the facility’s management, the Synchrotron said in a statement.
An AU$100 million, four-year rescue package was announced in March but did not stave off cost-cutting.
Nugent was appointed director of the Synchrotron in March 2011. He will take up his new role in January 2013.