Science research platforms

Research Platforms is a Faculty of Science initiative that brings together analytical centre equipment and expertise. 

There are over 70 individual analytical instruments available for researchers and postgraduate students to hire.

External and commercial users are also able to access the equipment and services. For more information, contact Sunita Bajaj.

• Auckland Cytometry is a flow cytometry core facility which provides researchers with technical expertise, training and access to state-of-the-art technologies and applications in flow cytometry.

• Auckland Genomics offer a wide range of NextGen DNA/RNA sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing and gene expression services for global researchers.

• Centre for eResearch (CeR) provides digital research and advanced computational services and support across the University research community.

• School of Biological Sciences (SBS) Imaging Centre offers a diverse range of technologies, ranging from electron microscopy, light microscopy, histology, X-ray crystallography and data analysis software. 

• School of Chemical Sciences (SCS) Imaging Centre provides services and equipment supporting atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. 

• Mass Spectrometry Centre has a range of advanced mass spectrometers, including some of the most powerful instruments in Australasia.

• Microcharacterisation Facility supports qualitative and quantitative analysis of materials using state-of-the-art instrumentation including JEOL Hyperprobe, iTrax Core Scanner, XRF and XRD.

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Centre houses equipments for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy used to obtain physical, chemical, electronic and structural information about molecules.

• Statistical Consulting Centre provides collaborative statistical assistance including methodology, design, analysis and data safety monitoring.

• Te Kaihōpara research vessel is the University’s flagship vessel that is a highly capable platform supporting a wide range of marine research.

Infinity X is the University’s booking and billing tool for research instruments and services. It can be accessed by staff, students and external clients.

Infinity X can be used to:

• Book instruments, request services or quotes, and register for platform training online
• Discover research platforms and their services across the University
• Manage bookings on the go with the Infinity X app

Before using research platform equipment, we recommend that you read our Terms and conditions. 

How you access Infinity X depends on your user status:

• University of Auckland staff and students: Log in using your University username and password (Single Sign-On).
• External clients: Use the credentials you were given when you registered in the system; new clients should contact platform staff directly for assistance to register.

For more support using Infinity X, visit Infinity X booking and billing tool. 

Hiring costs vary across equipment and services. Please contact core staff listed at the bottom of each of pages linked above under 'Science Research Platforms available' for additional cost information.

For internal users

In Infinity X, at the time of booking equipment or submitting a service request, you will be required to select a valid project code.

Booked equipment will be charged to that project code for the period of the booking irrespective of whether you used the equipment.

Equipment bookings can be cancelled online, and any queued clients will be notified of cancellations, so they may take up the vacated booking.  

For external users

External users need to obtain a quote from our technical team for the job request. You must also provide us with a purchase order number. For more details, get in touch with Sunita Bajaj.

• Sunita Bajaj: Information/advice about research platform equipment and Infinity X
• Sheeja Sajan: General enquiries about research platforms
• David Jenkinson: Management enquiries