50 years of nuclear science benefitting Australia

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is this week celebrating 50 years since the Atomic Energy Act, 1953, was passed by the Federal Parliament.

ANSTO's Chief Executive, Professor Helen Garnett, said the golden anniversary was a significant celebration for both ANSTO employees and the broader Australian science community.

"We are celebrating both an event which enabled development of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre as well as five decades of nuclear science benefitting Australia," Prof. Garnett said.

"ANSTO has achieved international recognition for its innovative applications of nuclear science and technology in fields including sustainability, human health, national security and the economic development of Australia."

Prof. Garnett said the Atomic Energy Act, 1953, brought together all matters associated with atomic energy under one piece of legislation, enabling the development of a research reactor where atomic energy could be developed for peaceful purposes.

Five years later saw the official opening, by the then Prime Minister of Australia, The Rt. Hon. R. G. Menzies, of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission's Lucas Heights Establishment.

"While the initial work undertaken at Lucas Heights related almost exclusively to nuclear power, uranium and the nuclear power cycle, immediate steps were taken to diversify activities and widen the sphere of the projects."

"I would like to acknowledge the many people who have contributed over the years to making ANSTO a world leader in the application, research and development of nuclear based science and other technologies," shesaid.

Prof. Garnett said that ANSTO would use this 50th anniversary year to help increase awareness about the value of nuclear science in everyday life.

"Fifty years on, although many people know about important medical procedures which are impossible without radioactive materials, they remain unaware of the widespread uses and benefits of nuclear-based products in our daily lives."

"As well as health and medicine, nuclear products and services are used extensively in agriculture, industry and manufacturing, science, the environment, business and government and in our everyday life."

Prof. Garnett said the replacement research reactor, currently under construction, would have enormous potential for unlocking knowledge associated with biotechnology, engineering, materials, nanoscience and environmental science.

Item provided courtesy of ANSTO