Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

Updated on Nov 10, 2023

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Formed 1987 Founded 1987 Headquarters Lucas Heights		Website www.ansto.gov.au Number of employees 1,000

Superseding agency Australian Atomic Energy Commission Jurisdiction Commonwealth of Australia Minister responsible Christopher Pyne, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Agency executives Jim McDowell, Chairman Adi Paterson, Chief Executive Officer CEO Adrian Paterson (1 Mar 2009–28 Feb 2022) Parent organization Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education

Estimates australian nuclear science and technology organisation

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a statutory body of the Australian government, formed in 1987 to replace the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. Its head office and main facilities are in southern outskirts of Sydney at Lucas Heights, in the Sutherland Shire. It also operated the now closed National Medical Cyclotron at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Purpose

The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia's national nuclear organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 (Cth) prescribes its general purpose. The purpose is translated into action through corporate drivers of vision, mission and strategic goals.

Mission statement

To support the development and implementation of government policies and initiatives in nuclear and related areas, domestically and internationally

To operate nuclear science and technology based facilities, for the benefit of industry and the Australian and international research community

To undertake research that will advance the application of nuclear science and technology

To apply nuclear science, techniques and expertise to address Australia 's environmental challenges and increase the competitiveness of Australian industry

To manufacture and advance the use of radiopharmaceuticals which will improve the health of Australians

Structure

ANSTO is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by former CEO of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, James "Jim" McDowell. Erica Smyth from uranium exploration company Toro Energy is the Deputy Chair. The CEO, Dr Adrian "Adi" Paterson, manages the organisation.

ANSTO has four research institutes:

The Bragg Institute
The Institute for Environmental Research (IER)
The Institute of Materials Engineering (IME)
ANSTO Life Sciences

Major research instruments include:

Particle accelerator, ANTARES

High-resolution neutron powder diffractometer, ECHIDNA (links)

High-intensity neutron powder diffractometer, WOMBAT

Strain scanner, KOWARI

Neutron reflectometer, PLATYPUS

ANSTO also manufactures radiopharmaceuticals and performs commercial work such as silicon doping by nuclear transmutation.

Nuclear Reactors

ANSTO currently has two nuclear reactors onsite: HIFAR and the new OPAL from the Argentine company INVAP. HIFAR was permanently shut down on 30 January 2007. OPAL became operational in November 2006 and was officially opened 20 April 2007.

In 2017, ANTSO announced the creation of a NiMo-SiC alloy for use in molten salt reactors.

ANTARES

ANTARES, (Australian National Tandem Accelerator for Applied Research), is a particle accelerator operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation or ANSTO at the research establishment at Lucas Heights. ANTARES does not produce radioisotopes, that work is done using the adjacent nuclear research reactor, and also at the National Medical Cyclotron also run by ANSTO but located at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

References

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA