Government and International Liaison

ANSTO is at the forefront of international nuclear research and technologies . Participating in international decision-making and offering services and expert advice to organisations overseas, keeps ANSTO and Australia at the cutting edge of the nuclear science and technology world.

ANSTO has representatives in Vienna, home to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where ANSTO provides essential support to Australia's role as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors.

Overall ANSTO plays a multifaceted role on the international stage. It constantly liaises with other scientific facilities undertaking similar work, and ANSTO scientists exchange information and knowledge with those facilities. If ANSTO has equipment or expertise another organisation needs, a representative will come to ANSTO and vice versa. This type of cross pollination of ideas and knowledge is crucial for making scientific breakthroughs.

Non-Proliferation and nuclear safeguards

ANSTO actively supports Australia’s obligations and duties under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by facilitating the further application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, particularly through cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

In nuclear safeguards ANSTO has a key regional role in helping train personnel from Pacific basin countries to manage nuclear materials safely and securely. These relationships are also important in ensuring that countries not experienced in handling nuclear materials keep to international standards and best practice.

To look after many of these matters, ANSTO has a dedicated international liaison team which focuses on building relationships around the world.

Specific emphasis is placed on ANSTO sharing its experience with neighbouring countries in the safe application of nuclear science and technology through arrangements such as: the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology for the Asia and Pacific Region; the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA); the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program; and other IAEA programs.

The international liaison team also looks after bilateral cooperation with specific emphasis on establishing strategic relationships with relevant nuclear organisations internationally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, in alignment with ANSTO and national interests.

Government and Community Liaison

ANSTO regularly communicates with important stakeholders, including the local community and councils, relevant Federal Ministers and other government-related personnel, both State and Federal, to ensure they are kept up to date about what's happening at ANSTO.

There is also continual liaison with ANSTO's regulators, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO).

For further information contact Government and Community Relations on 97179564