AINSE were delighted to welcome 142 students, representing 35 universities across Australia and New Zealand, to our 29th Online Winter School, hosted online between 7th – 15th July 2025.
Throughout the seven days, participants engaged in a deep exploration of nuclear science and technology. The program featured leading scientists and engineers from ANSTO, the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF), and industry partners, all offering a unique insight into ongoing research activities and the world-class facilities that support them.
The online week opened with a warm welcome from Michelle Durant, AINSE Managing Director, followed by an Understanding of Country presented by Brett Rowling, an Analytical Chemist at ANSTO and direct descendent of the national figures of Bungoree and Matora from the GuriNgai Awabakal peoples on the central coast of NSW. Brett took the students on a journey through 60,000+ years of science in Australia, explaining the deep connection between nature, science, and First Nations people, and highlighting the importance of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary science.
This was followed by a comprehensive introduction into the world of nuclear science delivered by Dr. Ed Simpson, a nuclear physicist and Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University. Supporting this was a keynote address by Professor Andrew Peele, Group Executive for ANSTO’s Nuclear Science and Technology and AINSE Board Member, who outlined ANSTO’s mission and advanced research capabilities. Together, these talks offered a strong foundation in nuclear science principles and an overview of the breadth of research infrastructure available for research collaboration.
To wrap up the first day, students were taken on a virtual tour of key ANSTO facilities, including the OPAL Multipurpose Reactor, courtesy of the ANSTO Discovery Centre. The tour offered an inside look at how this world-class reactor supports the medical, scientific, and industrial communities through the production of radioisotopes, the doping of silicon, and the production of neutron beams for research purposes.
Throughout the week, students engaged with leading researchers and STEM professionals from a range of ANSTO facilities, including:
- The Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS),
- The Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS),
- The Australian Synchrotron,
- The National Deuteration Facility,
- Nuclear Materials,
- Nuclear Stewardship,
- Environmental Applications of Natural Radioactivity, and
- Health Research and Technology.
A special presentation was delivered by Dr. Thomas McGoram, CEO of the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) at the Australian National University (ANU) and The University of Melbourne. Dr. McGoram highlighted the exciting opportunities for research collaboration at HIAF and shared insights into his own professional STEM journey.
Together, these sessions offered students a glimpse into cutting-edge research in a diverse range of fields, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of nuclear science and the power of collaboration in unlocking new scientific discoveries.
Students also had the chance to hear from representatives of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia, the Australian Young Generation in Nuclear (AusYGN), and ANSTO’s Ignite Network, who spoke about the value of their networks in supporting early career professionals in nuclear science.
In addition, Beth Fitzpatrick represented AINSE’s newest industry member, AtkinsRéalis, delivering a presentation on behalf of the organisation. Beth shared her enthusiasm for the new collaboration with AINSE and offered an inspiring look into her own journey through the STEM field.
In the second week, students were fortunate to hear from two AINSE alumni: Dr. Micheline Campbell, paleoclimate scientist and former ECRG recipient, and Larissa Lopes Cavalcante, current AINSE PGRA scholar, during an Early Career Researchers Panel. These speakers offered practical advice on navigating STEM pathways and encouraged students to stay curious and open to opportunities beyond the classroom.
The final afternoon of the Winter School was dedicated to the online Research Roundup Networking Event and Facility Session Roundtable, where students engaged in small-group virtual meetings with ANSTO researchers. These sessions provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions about ongoing research, as well as potential research opportunities, internships, and career pathways within the nuclear science sector.
For some students, this next step is just around the corner. Selected participants will be invited to attend a follow up on-site visit to ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus in September. This rare, behind-the-scenes experience will be guided by ANSTO’s world-leading scientists and offer a first-hand look at the cutting-edge research and innovation happening across the campus.
The Online 29th Winter School was a resounding success, filled with learning, connection, and inspiration. We look forward to continuing to support these students as they continue their career journeys into postgraduate research and beyond.
AINSE extends its sincere gratitude to all ANSTO speakers, Facility Session organisers, and Research Roundup participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the Online 29th Annual Winter School.
We look forward to welcoming the students on-site at Lucas Heights for the follow up in person visits in September.