Seventy years ago this week, Australia’s first nuclear science research facility opened at Lucas Heights.

It was a landmark moment for our scientific community and the Australian public.

Since 18 April 1953, Lucas Heights has hosted some of the most sophisticated public research work ever conducted on our shores.

It has made possible life-changing advances in the diagnoses and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

It has helped our scientists confront environmental challenges and support industry and advanced manufacturing, including when it used technology developed in-house to find a missing radioactive capsule in mid-west Western Australia a few months ago.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s responsible stewardship has led it to become one of our nation’s most recognised and respected scientific research bodies.

Quotes attributable to Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“ANSTO and its nuclear facilities have made an incredible contribution to Australian life.

“It’s estimated every Australian will have an average of two procedures using nuclear medicine throughout their lives.

“In particular, countless cancer patients have had their lives extended with radiotherapy treatments made available through ANSTO.

“For seven decades our publicly funded nuclear research has also supported our industrial growth and helped confront environmental challenges.”

More information is available at https://www.ansto.gov.au/ 

Media contact: Minister Husic’s office 02 6277 7070