The group's activities focus on research, modification and characterization of materials with a core competence of the laboratory in characterisation of materials using ion beams. The MRG has a solid base of mainly internal and academic users.

MRG has developed strong areas of expertise in ion-beam microprobe applications, specialised in biological applications in which they have become world leaders. This is closely coupled with the simultaneous development of specialised specimen preparation using cryo-techniques. The cryo-preparation laboratory has developed into a unique national facility. While the micro-probe facility is widely known and has a broad base of users and applications, the relatively younger cryo-preparation facility is not yet widely known.

Materials studies have been extended by facilities for XRD measurements. These techniques are complementary to ion-beam techniques and are appropriate for a research group that has as a strategic aim materials characterisation rather than purely ion beam applications. These techniques have their own specialised instruments and requirements. The machines are fully utilized.

The research of the group can be divided into the following broad themes:
· Nanotechnology and thin film physics using material characterization and modification with ion beams, X-rays and neutrons
· Biological systems with a focus on elemental distribution and transport
· Geological and environmental studies using ion beams
· Innovation in instrumentation and electronics