Scientists from around Australia were invited to link up with ANSTO at last night’s launch of the annual Eureka Awards.
ANSTO is a major sponsor of the Eureka Ambassadors Evening, which also serves as the official launch of the prestigious awards. The Eureka Awards are presented by the Australian Museum to reward excellence in scientific research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication.
Representing ANSTO, Distinguished Research Fellow, Professor Richard Banati took the opportunity to invite scientists to visit Lucas Heights to explore the wide range of facilities that could advance their research.
“ANSTO is open for business and the business of ANSTO is open,” Professor Banati said.
“Members of the public can see and learn about all our major facilities, and scientists are invited to experience the unique power of nuclear technologies to answer their questions.”
Professor Banati also introduced the inaugural Eureka Moments Address, by last year’s Eureka Prize winner, Professor Michael Good.
Professor Good told the crowd the role of scientists is to make the country and the world a better place. He said collaboration with like-minded organisations was important, but interest and financial support from government, private organisations and individuals was essential.
“As scientists, we cannot achieve without the support of the broader community,” he said.
ANSTO is proud to be involved with the Eureka Ambassadors Evening to recognise and celebrate strong scientific achievements. Importantly it also provides an opportunity for the broader community to discover the amazing world of science and technology and the impact these disciplines have on our daily lives from nuclear medicine to understanding climate change.
ANSTO operates Australia’s state of the art nuclear research reactor, OPAL for the benefit of industry and the Australian research community. It also conducts environmental, materials engineering and radiopharmaceutical research, as well as research into applications of neutron scattering and X-ray radiation.
This is the second year ANSTO has thrown its weight behind this worthy event and we look forward to recognising the success of the 2010 Eureka Prize winner. Entries for this year’s Eureka Awards close on 7 May, with winners to be announced on 17 August.
Published: 18/03/2010