Australia’s first nuclear science research facility at Lucas Heights is celebrating its 70th year of hosting technological advances and sophisticated research work in Australia.
The research facility, founded in April 1953, has hosted some of the most sophisticated public research ever conducted in the country, including life-change advances in the diagnoses and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
The Lucas Heights facility has helped Australia’s scientists address environmental issues and support industry and advanced manufacturing.
“For seven decades our publicly funded nuclear research has also supported our industrial growth and helped confront environmental challenges,” Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said.
The facility recently used technology developed in-house to find a missing radioactive capsule in mid-west Western Australia.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO) stewardship has led the facility towards becoming one of the country’s most recognised and respected scientific research bodies, Husic said in a media statement.
“ANSTO and its nuclear facilities have made an incredible contribution to Australian life,” Husic said.
“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,” the minister added.
