“Special Event Panel: OPAL | Past, Present, and Future”
Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Time: Tour (optional): 5.30–6.30 pm; Seminar: 7.00–8.00 pm; Dinner: 8.30–10.00 pm
Venue: Hybrid event: AINSE Theatre, ANSTO, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW and streamed online
Registration: Registration is required
Ages: High school students and above (Adults)
Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9717 3090; Email: [email protected]
Entry: No charge for the tour and seminar; Dinner (optional), $65
All are welcome
Registration options for in-person attendance at this event include:
- An optional tour of the Opal Reactor (5.30–6.30 pm AEST)
- Special Event Seminar: OPAL | Past, Present, and Future (in-person and online)
- Post-event dinner ($65 pp at the Rock Salt restaurant, Menai from 8.30–10.00 pm)
A joint presentation by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), the Royal Society of NSW (RSNSW), and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation(ANSTO).
In celebration of OPAL’s 20th anniversary, join us for this panel discussion exploring the legacy and future of OPAL, Australia’s world‑class research reactor, and its role in shaping national and global scientific capability.
Over the past two decades, OPAL has positioned Australia as an international leader in nuclear medicine production, silicon irradiation, and neutron scattering research. Its design and performance continue to influence next‑generation research reactors worldwide, demonstrating Australia’s ability to deliver complex, large‑scale scientific and medical infrastructure.
This 60‑minute conversation will bring together leading voices who have been central to OPAL’s evolution, reflecting on its origins, current impact, and future potential. The discussion will highlight how OPAL safely underpins critical national capabilities across health, industry, and research – while supporting the development of Australia’s future scientific workforce and technologies.
Suitable for a general public audience, this hybrid event will be delivered in person at the AINSE Theatre at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus in Sydney.
| ANSTO | |
| Date: | Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 07:00 PM |
| Venue: | Hybrid—AINSE Theatre, ANSTO, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW, and live streaming |
| Entry: | No Charge |
In Person Event
All are Welcome
31 December 2026
Various face-to-face and online venues 
