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.