This Queen’s birthday ANSTO’s Dr Ron Cameron was honoured with a prestigious Public Service Medal for his contribution to Australian nuclear science and the public sector – this is the only Medal to be awarded to an existing ANSTO employee.
The Medal recognises Dr Cameron’s significant contribution to nuclear science and safety in Australia. He has played significant roles in the new OPAL reactor project and represented Australia’s interests in key global nuclear bodies.
“He played a key leadership role in the detailed and complex approval processes, construction and operation of the OPAL nuclear reactor, Australia’s largest single investment in a science facility,” the post on the Governor General’s website said.
“Dr Cameron’s international scientific and technical standing, personal commitment, collaborative approach and calm demeanour were critical factors in delivering the project and in dealing with the many internal and external issues that arose and which were often the focus of intense ministerial, parliamentary and media attention.”
Dr Cameron has over twenty-five years experience in nuclear science and technology and has worked at ANSTO since 1992. He is currently Executive General Manager of Strategy, Government and International Relations.
For Dr Cameron one of the most influential decisions in his career was to leave an early teaching position in London in 1978 to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford, which led to work in nuclear-related research in the United Kingdom. This was followed by his decision to emigrate to Australia and set up a non-nuclear centre for risk and reliability engineering at the University of Sydney.
After accepting a position as ANSTO’s Director of Safety and Radiation Science he became ensconced in the OPAL reactor project. Before his current position Dr Cameron was Chief of Operations and has acted as Chief Executive Officer for an extended period on two occasions.
He has also been Director of Government and Public Affairs and had an attachment to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna for a short period.
Published: 09/06/2009