AINSE was delighted to welcome our newest Postgraduate Research Award (PGRA) scholars for the 2026 AINSE Postgraduate Orientation Week (O’Week), held alongside international celebrations of Nuclear Science Week.
Bringing together current PGRA scholars, prospective AINSE scholars, researchers, industry representatives and guest speakers, the program provided participants with opportunities to develop their professional and science communication skills, learn more about ANSTO’s unique research capabilities, and build connections with fellow students from across the STEM community.
Welcoming our newest PGRA scholars
The program began with a special welcome for AINSE’s newest cohort of PGRA scholars.
Internationally recognised public speaker, educator and researcher Hugh Kearns, Co-Director of iThinkWell, delivered a tailored workshop exploring the PhD experience and providing practical strategies to help students strengthen their academic writing. Scholars also received advice to prepare them for one of the highlights of O’Week: the AINSE 2-Minute Thesis Challenge.
Polar marine biologist Dr Rebecca Duncan continued the focus on effective science communication, sharing her experiences and insights with the scholars.
Throughout the day, students also had opportunities to connect with one another, learn about each other’s research and establish relationships with fellow scholars from a diverse range of STEM disciplines.
AINSE Managing Director Michelle Durant rounded out the day with a PGRA Essentials session, giving scholars the opportunity to ask questions about their awards and discover the broader opportunities available to them through AINSE.
Exploring ANSTO’s world-class research capabilities
Day two expanded the program, with current PGRA scholars joined by prospective AINSE scholars for an action-packed day exploring the research, facilities and opportunities available through ANSTO and the wider nuclear science community.
Students heard from ANSTO researchers representing major research infrastructure and facilities, including the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS), Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS), National Deuteration Facility (NDF) and the Australian Synchrotron.
Dr Jamie Schulz, Director of ACNS and AINSE Board Member, provided an introduction to ANSTO and its research capabilities. This was complemented by presentations from leaders across key ANSTO research areas, including Nuclear Stewardship, Environment, Health and Nuclear Materials, giving students a broader picture of the diverse research taking place across the organisation.
A student life and experiences panel, hosted by Dr Rebecca Duncan, was another highlight of the program. Drawing on the experiences of previous AINSE scholars, the panel offered practical advice and insights to support students as they progress through their own postgraduate research journeys.
Connecting students with the wider nuclear science community
O’Week also provided students with the opportunity to hear from organisations supporting the next generation of researchers and professionals.
Presentations from the Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia Chapter and the Australian Young Generation in Nuclear (AusYGN) highlighted opportunities for students to become involved in the wider nuclear science community. Students also heard from Fulbright Australia about scholarship and funding opportunities available to support their academic and professional development. AINSE industry member AtkinsRéalis shared insights into the organisation’s vision for the future and its role within Australia’s evolving nuclear sector.
As part of the international Nuclear Science Week celebrations, these sessions were also opened to members of the wider Nuclear Science Week community across the United States and Canada, extending the opportunity to connect and share knowledge beyond Australia.
Putting science communication to the test
The program culminated in the much-anticipated AINSE 2-Minute Thesis Challenge, where current PGRA scholars were tasked with communicating their research projects in less than two minutes, supported only by visuals created using Microsoft Paint.
The challenge showcased not only the fascinating breadth of research being undertaken by AINSE scholars, but also the creativity required to communicate complex scientific ideas in a clear, concise and engaging way.
The presentations were adjudicated by AINSE President Emeritus Professor Ian Gentle, AINSE Board Member Professor Janice Aldrich-Wright, and ANSTO science communicator Sarah Tyler.
Congratulations to Sanna Erickson (University of Technology Sydney), Alexandra Bastick (La Trobe University) and Georgia York (University of Wollongong), who received third, second and first place respectively.
Following the competition, participants were given exclusive access to an AINSE Scholarship Masterclass led by Managing Director Michelle Durant, providing practical advice on preparing a strong and competitive scholarship application.
Building connections for the future
AINSE Postgraduate Orientation Week was a fantastic opportunity to bring together emerging researchers, experienced scientists and industry representatives to share knowledge, develop new skills and build connections across the STEM community.
Most importantly, the program gave our newest PGRA scholars the opportunity to begin their AINSE journey together, forming connections with fellow researchers while developing skills that will support them throughout their postgraduate studies and beyond.
Thank you to all ANSTO staff, AINSE representatives, partner organisations and guest speakers who generously contributed their time and expertise to the program, and congratulations to all our PGRA scholars and future scholars who took part.
We look forward to continuing to support their research journeys.
