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What is OPAL and why has it been given this name?

OPAL is our new research reactor, which commenced operation in 2006 and was officially launched in 2007.  As a research reactor OPAL is unique because its design incorporates the world's best safety and technological features.  Its open pool and use of light (ordinary) water for cooling and shielding are part of the reason for it being given the name OPAL (Open Pool Australian Light-water). 

Another reason behind the name OPAL is that Australia is renowned internationally for its high quality, valuable opals.  ANSTO believes that the new reactor will similarly attract a great deal of positive international attention as a valuable world-leading scientific research instrument - in fact, it already has!

The final element to the naming process was a naming competition held amongst Australian school students. Entries from two separate schools: St John Bosco College located near ANSTO and Parndarna Area School on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, came up with creative suggestions that played a significant role in the reactor receiving its final name.

Opals have a very interesting nanostructure, and nanostructures are something that ANSTO - due to its reactor and other facilities - looks at very closely to help improve the quality of all Australians' lives.