Australia will develop stronger capabilities in nuclear and radiation science following the launch of RadInnovate, a new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Radiation Innovation. 

Centre Director, Professor Mahananda Dasgupta from the Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Applications said the new Centre would equip the next generation of leaders in radiation innovation, at a time when there is a global skills shortage in nuclear and radiation science.

 "Nuclear and radiation science, policy and regulation underpin a range of national priority sectors including natural resources, health, space and national security.

“RadInnovate will deliver nationally networked, sovereign training that is driven by industry needs and will include programs to increase diversity in science as well as socially and environmentally responsible innovation,” Professor Dasgupta said.

The Centre is funded for five years and is led by the Australian National University, in partnership with the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. It received nearly $5 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is also supported by $3.8 million from the universities and industry partners in the medical, mining, defence, regulatory, and technology sectors.

The interim ANU Vice Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said that a crucial part of the Centre’s success will be the partnerships between organisations from a wide range of sectors.

“The centre will be at the forefront of both scientific understanding while shaping the regulatory frameworks - bringing people from across the HASS-STEM fields together to solve complex problems”

Secretary of the Department of Education, Tony Cooke and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council, Professor Ute Roessner, unveiled a plaque to officially launch the Centre.

“Most impactful research builds on communities, the power of collaboration between industry and education partners as well as mentorship of the next generation

Among projects already underway is a collaboration between Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and ANU, using radiation and nuclear science to strengthen national security.

PhD candidate James Stuchbery explained that the project is based on the need of first responders to operate safely in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threat environment.

"Swift and safe identification and characterisation of sources of concern is critical. The goal is to create a fast simulation tool that will enhance current capabilities to make informed decisions regarding radiological hazards," said Mr Stuchbery.

Another project, conducted by the University of South Australia and the Australian Bragg Centre, is assessing the use of Proton Arc Therapy (PAT) to combat pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies, with a rising incidence and a five-year survival rate of only 13 per cent in Australia.

"This research will assess the feasibility of PAT to improve tumour control and establish its clinical use in pancreatic cancer. Findings are expected to provide critical evidence to guide future treatment," said PhD candidate Indiana Neumann.

With support from the ARC, RadInnovate will create a leading-edge workforce with sophisticated skills in nuclear and radiation science, policy and regulation.