ANSTO Nuclear-based science benefitting all Australians
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About ANSTO

Learn about ANSTO's core activities; the OPAL research reactor, its science, safety culture, board and organisational structure, news visitors information and events.

Frequently Asked Questions


This page provides links and information covering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); relating to ANSTO's work and nuclear science.

 

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is the home of Australia's nuclear expertise. Broadly speaking, ANSTO's expertise is applied to the following: 
 

 

Nuclear medicine - products and development:
 

  • ANSTO provides around 85 per cent of nuclear medicines that are used in Australian hospitals. These medicines are used by doctors to diagnose and treat a range of diseases including cancer.

 

  • ANSTO also contributes to medical research, including  research into new ways of treating illnesses, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, through ANSTO LifeSciences. 


Environment and climate change research:

  • Nuclear tools are proving to be extremely accurate in detecting past climate change. Through ANSTO's Institute for Environmental Research (IER), ANSTO contributes to Australia's welfare in areas such as climate change, water management, pollution analysis, erosion and salinity.

 

Materials engineering: 

  • ANSTO's Institute for Materials Engineering plays a significant role in developing, manufacturing, characterising and modelling materials in support of the advanced nuclear fuel cycle and next generation power systems. 

 

Neutron scattering:

  • Neutron scattering allows scientists to see what X-rays cannot. They look at materials from the inside out, understanding their atomic structure and how materials respond to various stimuli. A brochure on ANSTO's neutron scattering instruments can be found here. 

 

Business services:

  • ANSTO has several commercial divisions. It manufactures and supplies radiopharmaceuticals, and delivers services in mining, silicon irradiation, radiation safety training, among other things. 

 

International relations:
 

  • ANSTO provides expert advice to the Federal Government on global nuclear issues. It is the home of Australia’s nuclear expertise, and the basis through which Australia is taken seriously in international discussions on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear safety. In addition, Australia contributes - through ANSTO - to programs to assist with radiation and nuclear safety in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

A brochure entitled "Scientific facilities and equipment" can be found on the publications page.


Frequently asked questions about ANSTO
  

Who runs ANSTO?

 

ANSTO is run by the Australian Government and is funded by taxpayers. ANSTO's chief executive officer reports to a Board appointed by the Governor-General. As such, it is accountable to the Federal Government and to the Australian Parliament. 

Where can I find safety, environment and community information?

 

Up-to-date information about ANSTO's safety processes and procedures can be found here. ANSTO promotes its activities through its website and offers free tours to the public.


Does ANSTO produce nuclear power?

 

No, ANSTO does not produce nuclear power.  

 

Does ANSTO research nuclear weapons?

No, ANSTO does not conduct nuclear weapons research or produce nuclear weapons.

 

How safe is the OPAL research reactor?


Due to its design and integrated safety features, OPAL is extremely safe. A comprehensive overview of the reactor can be found here.


Why is there such high security at Lucas Heights?

 

ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus includes important and valuable infrastructure such as the research reactor and other valuable equipment used in nuclear research, as well as areas where radioactive materials are safely used or stored. All access to ANSTO is subject to strict security measures for the safety of visitors as well as the protection of the public.


How big is ANSTO?

 

ANSTO has more than 1000 employees and is based at Lucas Heights on a campus of 70 hectares. Lucas Heights is about 40 minutes south of Sydney.

 

If you have any further questions about ANSTO, please email: Enquiries@ansto.gov.au.


Frequently asked scientific questions