What do you think about radioactive waste? This is a question that most nuclear professionals need to consider at some point in their careers. In today’s episode, Tellus CEO and Managing Director Nate Smith joins us to talk about what it’s like to establish a radioactive waste facility in Australia. We learn about what radioactive waste is, the many industrial processes –including clean energy technologies –that produce it, and some of the ways this waste is managed. Nate also shares insights into consent-based siting, community engagement with Traditional Owners, and the importance of building trust.

CREDITS

Guest: Nate Smith

Host: Elizabeth Williams

Producers: Julieanne Dougherty, Elizabeth Williams

Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the help of Ryan Bloxsom in the production of this episode.

Article on the Deep Borehole Disposal method: Available here

Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this podcast is being recorded on or listened to, and pay our respects to their Elders – and all First Nations people.

If you want to send us some feedback on an episode, email us at nuclearmatterspodcast@anu.edu.au.

Keep in mind that this podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.

In this episode, we explore how education in nuclear science can serve as a bridge between nations.

I’ve invited Dr AJ Mitchell, an experimental nuclear physicist here at the ANU, to help us with this exploration.

AJ’s journey into international nuclear education began with a simple email—an unexpected opportunity that led to meaningful collaborations with Myanmar and Cambodia that supported nuclear research and education in contexts very different from his own.

Credits:

Guest: AJ Mitchell

Host: Liz Williams

Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this podcast is being recorded on or listened to, and pay our respects to their Elders – and all First Nations people.

If you want to send us some feedback on an episode, email us at nuclearmatterspodcast@anu.edu.au.

Keep in mind that this podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.

This episode explores all things nuclear security with Jasmin Diab. Jaz is the Managing Director of Global Nuclear Security Partners and President of Women in Nuclear Australia. She is also a military veteran with a couple of decades of experience thinking about how to secure nuclear technologies – both here and abroad.

I am personally fascinated by how experienced nuclear professionals grapple with changes in both technologies and geopolitics. I invited Jaz because I thought she could help me explore this in more depth. Long story short: she delivered.

Credits:

Guest: Jasmin Diab

Host / Producer: Liz Williams

Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

Episode notes:

Jaz also flags a favourite micro reactor project she's following. You can find out more about that here: Project Pele

We discuss Women in Nuclear Australia towards the end of the episode. If you are working in nuclear and support diversity in the workforce, you can Women in Nuclear (Global) or (Australia) for free.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to the ANU College of Systems and Society for supporting the production of this podcast.

Disclaimers:

This podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.