Special Event Panel: OPAL | Past, Present, and Future
Description
Special Event Panel: OPAL | Past, Present, and Future
When: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Time: 5:30 - 8:00pm
Where: AINSE, Lucas Heights (online option for main event seminar 7-8pm)
In celebration of OPAL's 20-year 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’ Lucas Heights campus in Sydney.
Event is in association with Royal Australian Chemical Institute NSW, Australian Institute of Physics NSW and Royal Society NSW
PROGRAM
5.30pm - 6.30pm | Tour of OPAL Research Reactor (optional)
7.00pm - 8.00pm | Special Event Seminar: OPAL | Past, Present & Future (in-person & online)
8.30pm - 10.00pm | Dinner at Rocksalt Menai ($65pp) (optional)
Registration options:
You have the option of attending the live event at the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) at Lucas Heights Sydney or watching the presentation online. Please register to to book into the event.
Please note - only the special event seminar at 7pm will be streamed online.
In-person attendees are also welcome to join the optional dinner after the event starting at 8:30pm at RockSalt Menai. Cost is $65 pp. Please register your interest when you book your Humanitix tickets.
ENQUIRES
Phone | (02) 9717 3090
Email | education@ansto.gov.au
ONLINE DETAILS (7 - 8pm)
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/4248299925247?p=3uDMNr6SLj4dCd2KKe
Meeting ID: 424 829 992 524 7
Passcode: B47ZA3gk
Agenda
- 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Optional Tour | OPAL multi-purpose research reactor (in-person only)
Join in on learning all about OPAL, the world class research reactor, and its role in shaping national and global scientific capability.
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Special Event Panel: OPAL | Past, Present, and Future (in-person & online)
This conversation will bring together leading voices who have been central to OPAL’s evolution, reflecting on its origins, current impact, and future potential.
- 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Optional Dinner | Rocksalt Menai ($65pp)
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity