This National Science Week, join us for a fascinating exploration of the contributions of Australia's only multi-purpose nuclear reactor as it celebrates 20 years of operation.
OPAL, an open pool lightwater reactor, is considered one of the best reactors of its type in the world. As a multi-purpose reactor using only low enriched uranium, it supplies crucial nuclear medicine to Australia, enables research through advanced scientific instruments and is used to irradiate materials, like silicon, to improve their properties.
The reactor, a custom design by the Argentine company INVAP and ANSTO, is safe, reliable and efficient. Remarkably, it was built, commissioned and operational in six years.
In this special ANSTO Disruptive Science Webinar, we'll share insights into the many ways OPAL brings benefits to Australia, and supports the important work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies
Hear from a distinguished panel including ANSTO CEO Mr Shaun Jenkinson, the Ambassador to Austria Mr Ian Biggs, who is also chairing the International Atomic Energy Agencies Board of Governors, and Rear Admiral Katherine Biggs AM CSC, Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia and ANSTO Board Member.
This is a rare opportunity to hear about the significant contribution OPAL has made and continues to make on behalf of Australia.
Register now.
📅 Date: Wednesday 19 August
⏰ Time: 4pm AEST
📍 Online | Free Registration
Can’t make it? Register to receive a recording of the webinar.
Meet our panelists
Shaun Jenkinson, CEO, ANSTO
Shaun joined ANSTO in 2010, taking responsibility for all commercial activities in 2012. Shaun was appointed CEO in March 2021.
Shaun is passionate about creating an inclusive environment that supports diversity and encourages everyone to participate, contribute, challenge, and innovate both individually and collectively. His vision is to harness ANSTO’s nuclear science and technology capability for the benefit of all Australians, creating sustainable partnerships with key stakeholders to deliver enduring value.
Prior to ANSTO Shaun worked in large multinational pharmaceuticals and medical equipment companies. Shaun holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rear Admiral Katherine Richards AM CSC
Rear Admiral Richards served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 36 years, bringing extensive experience in engineering, operations, strategic leadership, nuclear safety and regulation. In recognition of her distinguished service, she was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2014 and appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021.
During her naval service, Rear Admiral Richards served as Defence Seaworthiness Regulator and Naval Technical Regulator, where she was accountable for the safety and environmental performance of over a quarter of a million tonnes of military shipping. As Head of Naval Engineering, she led more than 5,000 naval engineers and oversaw all warship technical standards and policies, as well as the professional performance of all naval public sector and uniform engineers in the Defence portfolio. She also served as Head of Nuclear-Powered Submarine Design at the Department of Defence.
Rear Admiral Richards is currently Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia. She was appointed an ANSTO Board Member in March 2025.
Rear Admiral Richards is an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia and holds post graduate qualifications in Nuclear Regulation (ANU), Master of Science in Marine Engineering (University College, London), Master of Arts (Deakin) and Master of Strategic Management (University of Canberra).
HE Ambassador Ian Biggs
Mr Ian Biggs is the Australian Ambassador to Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic. He commenced his appointment in May 2023. Mr Biggs is Australia’s Resident Representative and Governor to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, as well as to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) Preparatory Commission.
Mr Biggs is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation. He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Iran, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as Deputy Head of Mission in India, Austria and Syria, and as Special Assistant to the IAEA Director General.
Mr Biggs holds a Masters in International Relations from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney. He speaks Arabic.