ANSTO annual report 2009-10
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Date
2010-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Abstract
ANSTO is Australia’s national nuclear
science and technology organisation and
represents a concentration of Australia’s
best nuclear science capabilities. It is part
of the Australian Government portfolio of
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
ANSTO provides policy advice to the
Australian Government in relation to
all matters within the ambit of nuclear
science and technology. In addition,
ANSTO maintains critical capabilities to
support government in undertaking its
regional and international role and
obligations in relation to nuclear science
and technology. Research and innovation are central to ANSTO’s mission and mandate. Key
outcomes include: research publications;
the securing of intellectual property;
training of research students; software
development; engineering designs and
demonstrators and engineering services;
pilot plants and industrial consultancy for
clients. We also license technology that
arises from our innovation activities.
ANSTO provides local and global partners
with access to its research and innovation
infrastructure to leverage their own
research and innovation activities. This
collaboration considerably expands the
opportunity for the development of locally
and globally significant research that will
benefit all. ANSTO manufactures products and
provides specialised services for customers. These commercial activities draw on ANSTO’s scientists and engineers to develop new products and manufacturing approaches and enhance product quality. Our businesses are
focussed on the health of Australians,
particularly in the application of
radioisotopes for imaging and therapy;
the application of mineral processing for
naturally occurring radioactive materials;
safe treatment and disposition of nuclear
waste; and specialised irradiation services.
ANSTO is the custodian of landmark
infrastructure deployed in the national
interest. ANSTO operates Australia’s
OPAL multipurpose research reactor.
Research reactors are essentially ‘neutron
factories’. The neutrons are used for
scientific research, the production of
radioisotopes used in medicine, activating targets (such as mineral samples for research) and modifying the conductivity of single crystal silicon used for microelectonics. Complementing the OPAL reactor are particle accelerators which are part of the essential toolkit used for precisely dating geological samples, studying the history of climate variability, and materials research, among other applications. ANSTO is a leader in pilot plant design, operation and management for the mining industry. These plants are a significant factor in transferring laboratory results to industry and providing industry with greater confidence prior to full-scale plant development.
Description
Keywords
ANSTO, Progress report, OPAL Reactor, Cyclotrons, Australia, Radiopharmaceuticals
Citation
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. (2010). ANSTO annual report 2009-10. Lucas Heights, New South Wales: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.