Students want no part in Howard's Nuclear Research Plan

Students from universities across Australia are outraged by Prime Minister John Howard's announcement of a $12.5 million investment in a Nuclear Collaborative Research Program between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Australia's university sector.

Spokesperson for the Australian Student Environment Network Holly Creenaune says "Students oppose our universities performing the role of research and training ground for dangerous and unsustainable industries. In the face of climate change, Australian universities have an important opportunity and responsibility to invest in a safe, non-polluting renewable energy sector.

"The sole remaining School of Nuclear Engineering at the University of NSW was closed in the 1980s. In 2006, there were no courses in nuclear engineering offered in Australia as a result of the sustained public pressure against an industry that remains unwanted.

"The sole remaining School of Nuclear Engineering at the University of NSW was closed in the 1980s. In 2006, there were no courses in nuclear engineering offered in Australia as a result of the sustained public pressure against an industry that remains unwanted.

"Students are increasingly demanding universities invest and channel their research towards sustainable and renewable technologies. Australia's energy future lies with solar and wind power, not nuclear power production, and we are calling on universities to lead the way,"Ms Creenaune concluded.

The Australian Student Environment Network report Opportunities To Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry, detailing the role of Australian universities in supporting the nuclear industry, is available for download from www.asen.org.au/OpportunitiesToWaste.

USyd media release: Institute will provide next generation of nuclear scientists

22 August 2007

The Vice-Chancellor today announced the establishment of the Institute of Nuclear Science at the University, and in a separate ceremony signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Acting as an umbrella organisation, the Institute will coordinate teaching, research and community contact in the nuclear sciences with a clear focus on activities such as the delivery of the new Masters Degree in Applied Nuclear Science and the coordination and expansion of nuclear science research. The aim of the Institute is to bring together nuclear teaching and research expertise for the first time.The Institute will be of international standard, drawing on Australia's renewed status as a leader in nuclear science by virtue of the OPAL reactor and new government funding for nuclear-related research. The Institute will also provide leadership in public education of nuclear science through structured outreach.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney, Professor Gavin Brown AO, said: 'The establishment of the new Institute of Nuclear Science will enable the University of Sydney to capitalise on its already significant strengths in nuclear science research and teaching by drawing together expertise in the area.

'The memorandum of understanding with ANSTO will help to place theUniversity firmly at the forefront of future developments inAustralia's nuclear related research.'Professor Clive Baldock, Acting Director of the new Institute, said:'The formation of the Institute of Nuclear Science at the University of Sydney will enhance our ability in Australia to further develop the nuclear sciences. In their broadest applications these will include energy, medicine and material science. Further, it is important to ensure that Australians are provided with accurate and proven knowledge of applications of nuclear science to these areas.'

The University of Sydney will also sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen its links with ANSTO; this will take place at theUniversity of Sydney School of Physics, at 9.30am on Wednesday 22 August 2007.