Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides links and information covering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); some of which relate to ANSTO's activities, but more broadly cover nuclear science questions.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is the home of Australia's nuclear expertise. A brochure entitled "Scientific facilities and equipment" can be found on the publications page. Broadly speaking, ANSTO's expertise is applied to the following:
- Nuclear medicine - products and development:
- Nuclear medicine production is a core business of ANSTO, which provides around 85 per cent of the nuclear medicines to Australian hospitals to help doctors diagnose and treat a range of diseases including cancer.
- ANSTO also contributes to research being undertaken to more successfully treat a range of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, through the Radiopharmaceutical Research Institute (RRI).
- 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.
- Strategic:
- ANSTO offers insight and expertise into global nuclear issues, on which it provides advice to the Federal Government. This means that Australia is taken seriously in international discussions on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear safety. Also, Australia contributes - through ANSTO - to programs to assist with radiation and nuclear safety in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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. ANSTO promotes its activities through its website and offers free tours to the public.
Where can I find safety, environment and community information?
Up-to-date information about ANSTO's safety processes and procedures can be found here.
Does ANSTO produce nuclear power?
ANSTO does not produce nuclear power. Nor does ANSTO 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 guide on the design, processes and procedures can be found here.
Why is there such high security at Lucas Heights?
The Lucas Heights complex includes important infrastructure such as the research reactor and other valuable equipment used in nuclear research. There are also areas where radioactive materials are 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 approximately 950 employees and is based at Lucas Heights on a secure 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.