The University of Waikato is home to world-class research equipment and facilities that were established to support university teaching and research, some of which are also available for external contract work. The list below is not exhaustive, so if you don't find the service, facility or equipment that you need here, please contact us - we may be able to help.

Electron Microscope Facility

Mass Spectrometry Facility

The Waikato Mass Spectrometry Facility operates and maintains the Faculty's range of high-performance mass spectrometers. The instrumentation supports research and teaching activities within the Faculty and a range of services are available to external institutions and industrial clients. The facility is a Bruker Daltonics Centre of Excellence.

Shallow Water Mapping

The Faculty's Coastal Marine Group (CMG) has more than 30 years’ experience in state-of-the-art sampling, measurement and monitoring of shallow water environments. Our strength lies in applying coastal research to real-world issues – providing a scientific basis for resource management from environmental policy to engineering works. Our equipment is customised for use in small survey vessels supporting a range of mapping requirements in offshore and inland locations, particularly in coastal and shallow waters. Our multidisciplinary team can tailor its services to meet research and commercial needs.

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Stable Isotope Research Facilities

The Waikato Stable Isotope Unit (WSIU) offers precision analyses of isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in biological, geological, and chemical materials by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Isotopic abundance analysis is carried out on two fully automated Europa Scientific 20/20 isotope analysers. Materials may be submitted as solids, liquids, or gases, for example, for breath analyses. Precision analyses of carbon and nitrogen content in solid or liquid samples are also provided with a LECO TruSpec Carbon/Nitrogen Determinator fitted with an autosampler for liquids. The WSIU provides commercial analyses and also services the needs of scientists at the University of Waikato and their collaborators, promoting the use of stable isotopes in all branches of research. The unit operates under the Department of Biological Sciences and the staff are highly experienced in the use of stable isotopes, both natural abundance and enriched tracers, particularly in biological and environmental research. In 2006 the WSIU was accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency for analyses of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and isotopes 13C and 15N in plant materials.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry at the University of Waikato is carried out in a separate facility within the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. Measurements of stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios in carbonates are made with an automated Europa Scientific Penta 20/20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer with CAPS preparation system. Determinations on prepared CO2 can also be performed.

University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK)

Founded in 1972, the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK)  is located on the first floor of D Block, Room D.1.14, in the Faculty of Science & Engineering, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton). The herbarium is staffed and maintained by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research (CBER). It is housed in a temperature controlled room and is a PC1 containment facility. WAIK services requirements for systematic botanical research and identification of plants for the University, education of University of Waikato students, other government and public organisations, and individuals. It functions to serve as a repository for voucher specimens, with a focus on the plants of the greater Waikato. Enquire for costs of specialist taxonomic services.

Waikato Confocal Microscopy & Imaging

The Waikato Confocal Microscopy & Imaging facility offers a broad range of microscopy and photography services. A comprehensive platform for confocal laser scanning microscopy including spectral deconvolution, live-cell imaging and powerful post-processing software for analysis and 3D reconstruction. Services include:

• Conventional photomicrospcopy including epi-flourescence and all transmitted light modes.
• High resolution still, time-lapse and video imaging.
• Extended depth-of-field imaging using AutoMontage.
• Photomacrography, close-up and general tecnical photography.

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Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility

The Waikato DNA Sequencing Unit offers a DNA sequencing service based on the Amersham Biosciences MegaBACE DNA Analysis System, providing sequences, SNP Types and genotypes for researchers from single-stranded, double-stranded, PCR-derived and environmental DNA templates using energy transfer style dye terminator chemistry.

Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory

The Waikato Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory is a national radiocarbon facility undertaking both Standard Radiometric Dating and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Dating (AMS). The facility is an independent unit within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and has been operating for more than 25 years. It is funded by external commercial customers and research grants, and is used to support radiocarbon dating and Faculty of Science & Engineering research programmes. Staff in the unit are actively involved in palaeoclimate and archaeological research and have a leading role in international calibration programmes.