About
The Australian X-ray Analytical Association (AXAA) Inc. was formed around 1968. The association seeks to provide a forum for technical meetings, discussions and information interchange between workers in the fields of X-ray analysis, including:
AXAA welcomes new members - click on the "Membership" tab for more information and an application form.
- X-ray Diffraction
- X-ray Fluorescence
- Synchrotron Radiation and Neutron Scattering
AXAA welcomes new members - click on the "Membership" tab for more information and an application form.
AXAA Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful environment at our events that invites participation from people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations free from discrimination or harassment. We will not tolerate behaviour that discriminates on any of these bases.
We take guidance from the Australian Academy of Science’s Women in STEM decadal plan, with strong non-male representation within the National Committee, Plenary and Invited speakers, on panels, and provisions made for family friendly events
We take guidance from the Australian Academy of Science’s Women in STEM decadal plan, with strong non-male representation within the National Committee, Plenary and Invited speakers, on panels, and provisions made for family friendly events
History
The founding members of the Australian X-ray Analytical Association (AXAA) largely overlapped with members of a Philips User Group, which had been meeting and discussing issues related to X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) prior to 1970.
The first official meeting of X-ray analysis users under the AXAA name took place in February 1970 at the Department of Geology, Australian National University (ANU), where Dr. Bruce Chappell had established a centre of excellence in the application of XRF for geological dating. This venue hosted the first five AXAA conferences, which were held triennially between 1972 and 1983. This triennial model subsequently became the standard scheduling pattern for AXAA national meetings.
In the early 1980s, a decision was made by the AXAA National Council to rotate the location of AXAA schools and conferences among different regions. During this period, state branches were gradually established, each organizing its own local meetings and contributing to the organization of the national triennial conference. Among the most active branches at the time were those in Western Australia (W.A.) and Victoria.
In 1996, a set of bylaws was drafted by Professor Dudley Creagh from the Australian Defense Force Academy, in collaboration with Mr. Ian Browne of Sietronics Pty Ltd. These bylaws later evolved into a framework that more closely resembles the current AXAA governance structure.
Between the 1990s and 2000s, the W.A. branch of AXAA became particularly active under the leadership of Professor Brian O’Connor at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), later Curtin University. The branch benefited from strong participation by an enthusiastic community of local users in the minerals industry, including Mr. Nick Pearson from the Alcoa Kwinana Alumina Refinery.
Comprehensive documentation of AXAA activities is available beginning with the 6th AXAA meeting—Australian School and Conference on X-ray Analysis and Surface Science—held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) from 10–14 February 1984 and continues through to the most recent national conferences. A chronological record of AXAA-organised and co-organised events is available on the association’s "Events" page.
From its inception, AXAA has been committed to building bridges between instrument manufacturers and end users, while promoting the application and understanding of X-ray-based characterisation techniques—such as XRD and XRF—across industry sectors and among students. The association has consistently played a vital role in disseminating knowledge and fostering engagement in the field of X-ray analysis in Australia.
Rod Clapp & Ian Madsen
The first official meeting of X-ray analysis users under the AXAA name took place in February 1970 at the Department of Geology, Australian National University (ANU), where Dr. Bruce Chappell had established a centre of excellence in the application of XRF for geological dating. This venue hosted the first five AXAA conferences, which were held triennially between 1972 and 1983. This triennial model subsequently became the standard scheduling pattern for AXAA national meetings.
In the early 1980s, a decision was made by the AXAA National Council to rotate the location of AXAA schools and conferences among different regions. During this period, state branches were gradually established, each organizing its own local meetings and contributing to the organization of the national triennial conference. Among the most active branches at the time were those in Western Australia (W.A.) and Victoria.
In 1996, a set of bylaws was drafted by Professor Dudley Creagh from the Australian Defense Force Academy, in collaboration with Mr. Ian Browne of Sietronics Pty Ltd. These bylaws later evolved into a framework that more closely resembles the current AXAA governance structure.
Between the 1990s and 2000s, the W.A. branch of AXAA became particularly active under the leadership of Professor Brian O’Connor at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), later Curtin University. The branch benefited from strong participation by an enthusiastic community of local users in the minerals industry, including Mr. Nick Pearson from the Alcoa Kwinana Alumina Refinery.
Comprehensive documentation of AXAA activities is available beginning with the 6th AXAA meeting—Australian School and Conference on X-ray Analysis and Surface Science—held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) from 10–14 February 1984 and continues through to the most recent national conferences. A chronological record of AXAA-organised and co-organised events is available on the association’s "Events" page.
From its inception, AXAA has been committed to building bridges between instrument manufacturers and end users, while promoting the application and understanding of X-ray-based characterisation techniques—such as XRD and XRF—across industry sectors and among students. The association has consistently played a vital role in disseminating knowledge and fostering engagement in the field of X-ray analysis in Australia.
Rod Clapp & Ian Madsen