Corporate Plan 2021-2022 - Transparency Portal
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Corporate Plan 2021–2022
Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 A message from the Chair of the Board 5
1.2 A message from the Chief Executive Officer 6
1.3 Vision 8
1.4 What we do 8
2 Our purpose and strategy 10
2.1 Purpose 10
2.2 Our strategy 11
2.3 Our values 12
2.4 Our organisation and people 14
2.5 Portfolio Budget Statements, Corporate Plan and Annual Report 17
3 Our operating environment 18
3.1 National factors 18
3.2 Global factors 22
3.3 Cooperation and collaboration 24
4 Strategy and key activities 26
4.1 STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE 1 - Research and research infrastructure
To conduct research and enable external use of our research capability and infrastructure for the national benefit 26
4.2 STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE 2 - Commercial products and services
To provide nuclear medicines and commercial services for the benefit of Australia and the world 36
4.3 STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE 3 - Expert and trusted advisor
To be an expert and trusted advisor to government, industry, international partners, and the Australian public 40
4.4 ENABLING OBJECTIVE-
To mobilise and develop the nuclear science and technology workforce of the future 44
4.5 ENABLING OBJECTIVE-
To ensure the ongoing financial and operational sustainability of ANSTO 46
5 ANSTO’s capabilities 52
5.1 Exploiting Nuclear Science & Technology and the operation of Landmark Infrastructure 52
5.2 Critical and essential nuclear capabilities and services for Australia 54
5.3 Specialised nuclear advice 55
5.4 Education and training 55
6 Governance and risk management 56
6.1 Governance 56
6.2 Oversight of risk management 56
This Corporate Plan contains many photographs of 6.3 Risk appetite 57
our staff. These photographs were taken either before
the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,
6.4 Strategic risks 60
or outside of the lockdown phases of the pandemic Appendix 62
across 2020 and 2021.
List of requirements 62
ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
3
1 Introduction
1.1 A message from the
Chair of the Board
On behalf of the ANSTO Board, I am pleased to present ANSTO’s Safety, security and sustainability are core values at ANSTO.
2021–2022 Corporate Plan, which covers the period 2021–2025, We remain steadfastly focused on ensuring that our operations
as required under section 35 of the Public Governance, are safe and reliable, while also committing to a culture of
Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). continuous improvement to ensure that our reputation as a
safe and high-performing organisation is maintained.
ANSTO has been an enduring leader of nuclear-based research
and technology in Australia for over six decades and today more This year’s corporate plan includes ANSTO’s new strategy, which
than ever, our scientists and engineers are putting into effect details the performance measures and the key activities for the
our vision of solving some of our nation’s greatest challenges. next four years. These have been fully endorsed by the ANSTO
As Australia and the world continue to manage the ongoing Board and present an exciting pathway to ensure that we deliver
impacts of COVID-19, ANSTO’s role in producing critical health, on our purpose and the expectations of our responsible Minister.
environmental and nuclear-based research, products and
services has never been more important. We appreciate the sustained support from our Minister and his
Department (the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and
In the past year, ANSTO has launched the world’s most advanced Resources) across all of our business activities and look forward
radiation imaging solution, CORIS360 – a portable radiation to continuing our work to build resilience and further strengthen
detection device that has important applications in border our sovereign nuclear science and technology capabilities. On a
protection, national security and worker safety. We have also personal note, I would like to add that I am very appreciative of
enabled Australian researchers to further understand the the dedication and contribution of each and every member of
structure of the COVID-19 virus and to develop critical treatments. the ANSTO Board.
Whilst we have produced some remarkable research and I look forward to seeing this Corporate Plan guide ANSTO’s work
technology outcomes for our nation, we continue to face to make life better for every Australian.
challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fluctuating
exchange rates and global supply chain disruptions continue to
affect ANSTO’s nuclear medicine business. Despite this, I am proud
to say that our people have banded together to address these
challenges. More importantly, ANSTO will continue to play its part
in helping Australia to restore its strong economic position through
seeking out new opportunities, fostering innovation, and creating
diverse and sustainable revenue streams.
The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC
Board Chair
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
5
1.2 A message from the
Chief Executive Officer
This Corporate Plan is the strategic blueprint for our future. We must continue to foster relationships with Australian
It sets out our ongoing commitment to deliver beneficial health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose knowledge
outcomes for all Australians, as well as our contribution to and skills are an integral part of understanding ANSTO’s and
creating a sustainable future. This year, I am pleased to present Australia’s unique attributes and future.
ANSTO’s new strategy, through which we plan to generate new
knowledge supporting our position as a trusted source of ANSTO’s unique scientific and nuclear infrastructure, combined
information on nuclear science and technology, provide services with the talents of our people, will be the foundation for us to
to science, create value for Australia’s biggest industries, and implement our strategy. In doing so, we will work closely with
provide quality products to our customers. collaborators, partners and entrepreneurs across academia,
industry and the exciting commercialisation and start-up
ANSTO is the operator of essential landmark nuclear infrastructure community. ANSTO has a key role to play in supporting the
for Australia. Over the past year, we have provided priority access economic growth of Australia.
to this infrastructure for researchers seeking to understand the
structure of the COVID-19 virus. To date, more than 50 COVID-19 This document sets forth a clear, focused plan on how ANSTO
experiments have been carried out at the Australian Synchrotron will deliver on its purpose over the next four years, how our
and have helped researchers develop important insights. With the purpose aligns with our governing legislation, and how success
construction of eight new beamlines underway at the Australian will be measured. This will enable us to continue to be a global
Synchrotron, which will effectively double the facility’s research nuclear science, research and engineering partner of choice with a
capacity, the facility continues to deliver great technological reputation for tackling complex problems and delivering outcomes
outcomes for our nation’s health, energy, automotive, transport, to benefit Australia and create a more sustainable world.
defence and aerospace sectors.
Delivery of nuclear medicine products and services remains a key
priority for the organisation, noting the constraints posed by the
current ageing Nuclear Medicine Production Facility. Through our
partnership with Government, we remain committed to delivering
a reliable and secure supply of nuclear medicines for Australian
patients. We will also continue our important work to manufacture
and develop the next generation of nuclear medicines, prime Shaun Jenkinson
among which is Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a promising therapeutic Chief Executive Officer
currently being used in clinical trials to successfully treat patients
with prostate cancer.
We will continue our supportive work with Government as they
secure a site for and develop a National Radioactive Waste Key documents that have informed the
Management Facility, which will provide a long-term management development of this Corporate Plan include:
solution for Australia’s radioactive waste, the majority of which has
been generated by the production of life-saving nuclear medicines. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation Act 1987 (ANSTO Act 1987)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our exceptional staff
Industry, Innovation and Science Portfolio Budget
for their unwavering dedication and resilience throughout the
Statements 2021–22
COVID-19 pandemic. Through this commitment, we will continue
to build a diverse and inclusive workforce and help to build a Ministerial Statement of Expectations
bright future for Australia’s STEM sector. However, we cannnot (dated 13 February 2020)
create this bright future alone. As such, we will continue to
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability
collaborate with the local community, universities, the Australian
Act 2013 (PGPA Act)
Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Australian
industries, and all levels of Government to maximise impact. ANSTO 2021–2025 Divisional Strategies
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
7
1.3 Vision
We have been operating We manage over one billion We employ just under
To be a global science, research and engineering partner with a for over 60 years dollars’ worth of landmark 1,400 people in Australia
infrastructure and scientific
reputation for tackling complex problems and delivering outcomes assets, including some of
Australia’s most sophisticated
to create a more sustainable world. research infrastructure
1.4 What we do
About 80 per cent of nuclear On average, ANSTO facilitates Every Australian is likely to
ANSTO is home to Australia’s most significant nuclear science As an industry partner, some of our business capabilities medicine isotopes used in more than 12,000 nuclear benefit from nuclear medicine,
and technology landmark and research infrastructure. include detection and imaging, minerals and radiation Australia come from ANSTO’s medicine procedures that and on average will have at
ANSTO provides a collaborative research environment in protection consulting, irradiation services, environmental Lucas Heights Campus in Sydney benefit Australians each week least two nuclear medicine
Australia, bringing together scientists, engineers and graduates monitoring and training. procedures in their lifetime
from across industry and academia to work with and through
ANSTO to solve complex problems and deliver outcomes and The ANSTO Innovation Precinct in Southern Sydney is the
benefits for Australia. home of ANSTO’s nandin Innovation Centre where start-ups
are connected to ANSTO’s leading research talent, including
We manufacture and produce nuclear medicines for Australia and over 100 graduates, to develop the next generation of thinking
the world, investigate the origins of disease, and develop new that will support our industries into the future.
diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicines. Through this work,
we improve human health and deliver life-saving outcomes. We work with our partners to put science to work, delivering
solutions that benefit the Australian economy and shape the
We use multidisciplinary nuclear and isotopic techniques to industries of the future. Through our expertise and involvement in
address the world’s most challenging environmental problems. global initiatives, we maintain and develop Australia’s world-class
Focusing on water sustainability, climate change, air quality, and nuclear capabilities, maintain international best practice, provide
the impact of contaminants, we are working together to create a trusted advice to Government and educate the local community. We have two main campuses: We host approximately We are connected to
more sustainable world. one in Lucas Heights (NSW) and 6,500 visits by researchers approximately 40 Australian
the other in Clayton (Vic) annually from Australian and universities through the
As the operator of Australia’s only nuclear reactor, we address key
scientific questions in the nuclear fuel cycle and are Australia’s
international universities, Australian Institute of Nuclear
knowledge centre for current and emerging nuclear technologies. institutions and industry Science and Engineering (AINSE)
We host 15,500 visitors We work with over Over 95 per cent of our
annually 500 businesses each year publications are with
from the aerospace, advanced collaborators:
manufacturing, energy, defence, 33 per cent domestic,
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health and environmental sectors 33Corporate
ANSTO per cent Planinternational,
2019 - 2020
33 per cent both 9
2 Our purpose and strategy
This section details how ANSTO’s purpose is derived, as well as how our strategy 2.2 Our strategy
lays out the foundational imperatives and objectives that enable us to measure Our new ANSTO strategy is outlined below. It directs how we will achieve our purpose. It was developed in late 2020 by our staff,
Senior Executives, and the ANSTO Board.
performance and undertake key activities in alignment with our legislative mandate.
Section 5 OUR STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES
ANSTO Act
Strategic Focus Performance These focus our activities, ensuring they are aligned with our purpose, the priorities of Government, and the expectations of our Minister
imperatives areas* measures*
Our Purpose Our Strategy 1. Research and research 2. Commercial products and 3. Expert and trusted advisor
infrastructure services
Enabling Focus Key
objectives areas* activities*
To conduct research and enable external To provide nuclear medicines and To be an expert and trusted advisor to
use of our research capability and commercial services for the benefit of Government, industry, international
infrastructure for the national benefit Australia and the world partners and the Australian public
* Outlined in Section 4 of the 2021–2022 Corporate Plan
Deliver and translate research that has Ensure the reliable and sustainable supply Deliver expert advice to Local, State,
scientific and industry impact, with a focus of nuclear medicines, products and services and Federal Governments and related
2.1 Purpose on health, the environment and the nuclear
fuel cycle
stakeholders in support of organisational
and national interests
ANSTO’s purpose is derived from section 5 of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 (Cth) (the ANSTO Act),
Form strategic partnerships and Develop and produce new radioisotopes Participate in global and regional nuclear
which highlights the core functions we undertake for the benefit of Australia:
collaborations to leverage more effective, through working collaboratively with discussions to ensure that Australia remains
research outcomes for Australia and the partners using our nuclear-related expertise a leader in the applications of nuclear
. Conduct research and development in relation to nuclear science, engineering and technology; world science and technology
. Produce and use radioisotopes, isotopic techniques and nuclear radiation for medicine, science, industry, commerce and agriculture; Operate world-class research infrastructure, Use knowledge incubation, research Grow a more informed generation of
and leverage capabilities to support translation, collaboration and connectivity Australians who understand the benefits of
. Encourage and facilitate the application and use of the results from research and development; translational research that delivers real-life within the Innovation Precinct to produce nuclear science and technology
benefits and impact real-world benefits
. Manage radioactive materials and waste arising from various prescribed activities;
. Provide goods and services related to core activities;
OUR ENABLING OBJECTIVES
. Provide advice to Government and liaise with other countries on behalf of Australia in nuclear-related matters;
. Make available to other persons, whether or not on a commercial basis, the knowledge, expertise, equipment, facilities, resources These are vital in delivering our Strategic Imperatives
and property of the organisation for the purposes of scientific research, innovation and training;
To mobilise and develop the nuclear science and To ensure the ongoing financial and operational
. Publish scientific and technical reports, periodicals and papers, and provide public information and advice; and technology workforce of the future sustainability of ANSTO
. Facilitate education and training in nuclear science and technology, including through granting scientific research studentships and Train and develop the next generation of specialised nuclear Ensure a highly reliable, safe and secure environment
fellowships, in cooperation with universities, professional bodies and other education and research institutions. professionals
Provide an inclusive environment that empowers our people and Ensure ANSTO operates sustainably
supports a culture of collaboration and engagement
Based on these functions, we define our purpose as:
Leveraging great nuclear science, partnerships and ingenuity for a more sustainable world.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
11
2.3 Our values
Our values were developed by our staff and underpin everything we do.
Safe. Secure. Sustainable.
Three key principles that underpin everything
we do and every decision we make
Curiosity Leadership Excellence Working Together Trust + Respect
Harness our curiosity Ownership, accountability Consistently delivering Success through An inclusive environment
to explore new and working with high value outcomes collaboration, team that’s built on our trust
opportunities and integrity to inspire and looking for ways to work and a sense of and respect for each
create an environment and motivate others improve the quality of collective purpose other’s contributions
where ideas can thrive our performance and capabilities
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2.4 Our organisation and people We know that diverse
teams produce better
Nuclear Science and Technology Nuclear Operations and Nuclear Medicine
outcomes – and we
475 400 value the merit that
35% 23%
different perspectives
can bring to our
Asset Management and Engineering Chief Operating Officer organisation.
179 131
13% 9%
Chief Executive Officer Information Technology
64 62
5% 5%
Commercial Products and Services TOTAL
41 1,352
3%
Average Staffing Level (ASL) as at 30 June 2021
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2.4.1 Subsidiaries 2.5 Portfolio Budget Statements, Corporate Plan
ANSTO subsidiaries and companies operate in the context of the Corporate Plan to enhance our capabilities, fulfil our purpose and and Annual Report
strategy and provide transitional arrangements as we reorganise our activities.
Our Corporate Plan is our key strategic planning document. Results of our performance against this Corporate Plan and the Portfolio
Budget Statements (PBS) are provided in our Annual Report.
ANSTO Subsidiaries Jurisdiction of Operation Description
PETTECH Solutions New South Wales PETTECH Solutions Pty Ltd (PETTECH) is a wholly owned ANSTO Corporate Plan s.35 PGPA Act
Pty Ltd subsidiary which owns a Cyclotron facility. On 2 January 2019,
the business of this company was sold to Cyclotek NSW Pty Ltd. Our Corporate Plan is our primary planning document, which outlines our
PETTECH Solutions Pty Ltd remains the owner of the major facility purpose, strategy, performance measures, key activities and capabilities
assets (building, cyclotron and hot cells) and is entitled to a share over the next four years. As our primary planning document, the Corporate
of profits from the Cyclotek NSW business in connection with this Plan includes the full set of performance measures endorsed by the
arrangement. ANSTO Board. These measures build and expand on the performance
measures outlined in the PBS.
To conduct research and enable external use of our research capability and
infrastructure for the national benefit Annual Report s.46 PGPA Act
(Strategic Imperative 1)
Our Annual Report responds to certain legislative requirements regarding
To provide nuclear medicines and commercial services for the benefit of
Australia and the world ANSTO’s finances, governance, performance and activities during the
(Strategic Imperative 2) previous financial year. It reports against the PBS and Corporate Plan.
ANSTO Nuclear Medicine New South Wales ANSTO Nuclear Medicine Pty Ltd (ANM) is a public non-financial Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) s.36 PGPA Act and
Pty Ltd corporation to which ANSTO and the Minister for Industry, Science Appropriations Bills
and Technology (on behalf of the Commonwealth) are shareholders. Our PBS informs Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to (No. 1 and No. 2)
ANSTO is the operator of the ANM Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) ANSTO. It is presented in the PBS for the Industry, Science, Energy and
Manufacturing Facility, which produces of one of the world’s most Resources Portfolio. Generally, only ANSTO’s most critical performance
important nuclear medicines. Through ANM, ANSTO is able to supply measures feature in the PBS.
Mo-99 to the Australian and global market.
To provide nuclear medicines and commercial services for the benefit of
Australia and the world
(Strategic Imperative 2) 2.5.1 Planning and measuring performance Planning and Reporting and
forecasting performance
Our Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process ensures we deliver on
ANSTO Inc. Delaware, USA Inactive.
our purpose and strategy within this Corporate Plan. It ensures that our
ANSTO Act
commitments to customers, partners and stakeholders are at the centre of
ANSTO Annual Report
our planning activities – thereby achieving the optimum balance between
our commitments and our capabilities. ANSTO Portfolio
Other Companies* Budget Statement
*where ANSTO possesses a material interest Performance measures and key activities are provided for each Strategic Australian Government
Imperative and Enabling Objective in this plan. These are derived from mid-year economic and
divisional plans and tactical implementations, which are overseen by our ANSTO Corporate Plan fiscal outlook
Applied Molecular Therapies Victoria Contract development and manufacturer of radiopharmaceutical
Pty Ltd products. Group Executives. ANSTO’s most critical performance measures are also
contained in the ANSTO Portfolio Budget Statements for 2021–22.
To provide nuclear medicines and commercial services for the benefit of Divisional Performance
ANSTO Strategy
Australia and the world The IBP process provides a monthly pulse check on performance against Reports
(Strategic Imperative 2)
our strategy through measurement against operational key performance
indicators, rolling 24-month plans and forecasted projections. Rolling Performance
Divisional Strategies
Reviews
ANSTO’s planning cycle responds to the requirements of the PGPA Act and
has two cycles: planning and forecasting; and reporting and performance. Divisional Plans and
Tactical Implementations
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
17
3 Our operating environment
We believe that the following national and global factors will influence the 3.1.3 Building Communities ANSTO’S RESPONSE
delivery of our purpose. The majority of these factors are relatively stable, and are We feel privileged to be a part of the everyday lives of many in the communities We are planning to continue to re-open our
we engage with and participate in. Through various educational and outreach campuses to visitors in 2021-22 through safe
not anticipated to change significantly over the period of this Corporate Plan. community linkages, we connect with groups across Australia and seek to be part of and thoughtful planning.
inclusive knowledge sharing processes. At our two major campuses, we seek to be
a meaningful part of our local communities and local council areas. ANSTO’s Lucas We will continue to develop and think of
Heights campus is located in Southern Sydney, New South Wales and ANSTO is one new ways to engage with the public through
3.1 National factors of the Sutherland Shire’s major employers and economic hubs. Over one-third of remote means – namely through web-based
ANSTO’s workforce lives in the Sutherland Shire. engagement and activities.
3.1.1 Ministerial Expectations ANSTO’S RESPONSE Approximately 150 staff work in Melbourne’s south-east at ANSTO’s Clayton This will ensure we continue to be a part of the
campus, which is home to the Australian Synchrotron. At both sites, we enjoy everyday lives of our community in as many
ANSTO is an agency within the Industry, Sciences, Energy and Resources portfolio. ANSTO is committed to ensuring that its regular engagement with local schools through STEM education, local business ways as possible.
The Minister responsible for ANSTO is the Hon Christian Porter MP, Minister for Strategy is aligned with the Statement of groups through industry engagement, and community groups through site visits
Industry, Science and Technology. Expectations and responds to national and event sponsorship. Open days at the Australian Synchrotron attract thousands
priorities. of local and other visitors excited to discover more about our science and its
We also work closely with the Assistant Minister for Industry Development, benefits to the region and beyond. During 2020, many of our in-person community
Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam. On 13 February 2020, the then Minister for ANSTO will ensure that it continues to work in engagement activities were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, provided ANSTO close partnership with its responsible Minister,
with a Statement of Expectations. the Hon Christian Porter MP, the Assistant
Minister for Industry Development, Senator 3.1.4 Partnerships
This Statement outlines the Government’s expectations of ANSTO, including the the Hon Jonathon Duniam, as well as the
important contributions ANSTO can make to national priorities and supporting the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) is the key Over the next four years, we will continue to
health of Australians through nuclear medicine production. Resources (DISER). link between Australasian universities and ANSTO’s state-of-the-art facilities. This expand our partnership with AINSE as we
partnership is integral to bolstering Australia’s capabilities in STEM, in particular develop new access models and accelerate
in nuclear science and engineering, and broadening the use of our landmark translational activities. We are committed to
3.1.2 COVID-19 pandemic and national infrastructure. This creates and sustains partnerships with early and enhancing the skills and knowledge necessary
mid-career researchers, supports the development of the Innovation Precinct, and to bring the full benefit of nuclear science and
Like all workplaces in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way in Our workplace practices have evolved as a connects us to nearly every university in Australia and New Zealand. technology to Australia through the ANSTO
which we work and operate. At times, when ANSTO has had to rely on international result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will Innovation Precinct.
partners to provide nuclear medicines, we have had to work closely with airlines continue to evolve as we respond with agility Importantly, these partnerships lead to well-connected and versatile scientists
to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and ensure nuclear medicines arrived in to the changing world. Ensuring that our staff and engineers, many of whom develop careers in industry and innovation ANSTO’s This will be done through continuing to
Australia when needed. are supported and remain connected has never strong partnerships are also critical to the continued development of the ANSTO build our strategic, academic, and industry
been as important as now. Innovation Precinct. It is our unique research infrastructure and membership of partnerships that expand Australia’s capacity
It has also become much more important for ANSTO to work closely with our local the Design Factory Global Network, in addition to our wide-ranging links to world- for engagement in nuclear science and
nuclear medicine community to ensure that when there are supply restrictions, the Over the next four years, our business resilience renowned precincts such as GIANT in France and CERN in Switzerland, that have technology and reflect Government’s priorities.
available medicines are allocated to where they are needed most. plans, digitalisation plans, and modern attracted over 20 start-ups to establish their businesses at ANSTO.
workplace transitions will ensure that the
productivity of the organisation is maintained It is our mission to support them in the commercialisation of their products and
through these changes. ultimately to help them grow into larger enterprises. It is anticipated that the ANSTO
Innovation Precinct could generate up to 5,000 jobs over the next decade, thereby
making a significant contribution to the economic growth of the Southern Sydney
region. The realised and potential economic contribution of ANSTO’s Innovation
Precinct is well-recognised by all levels of Government and has been crucial to the
project’s early success. For instance, the NSW Government has provided extensive
support for the early-stage development of the precinct, both through the Greater
Sydney Commission and through the provision of a $12.5 million seed grant.
In May 2020, the Greater Sydney Commission released the ANSTO Collaboration Area
Place Strategy, setting priorities and identifying actions to deliver upon the vision for
the precinct. ANSTO will work with the Collaboration Area Governance Group, which
consists of representatives from ANSTO, the NSW Government, Sutherland Shire
A visual replication of the COVID-19 virus. Council and the Dharawal people, to deliver on these priorities and actions.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
193.1.5 Cultural heritage ANSTO’S RESPONSE 3.1.8 Financial environment ANSTO’S RESPONSE
Our two main campuses are located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal (Lucas ANSTO will continue to build and strengthen ANSTO relies on a combination of Government appropriations, grants and Achieving a sustainable operating budget
Heights, NSW) and Kulin (Clayton, Victoria) nations. our relationships with our local Aboriginal commercial revenue to finance our operations. In the 2021-22 Budget, ANSTO remains a challenge that is being affected by
communities, staff and other Indigenous received a funding package of $116.7 million, to be paid over a four-year period. both external and internal factors. As has been
In 2020, ANSTO released its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The Action Plan groups we meet across Australia. This includes the case for many organisations, 2020 was
outlines our commitment to preserve the cultural significance of Indigenous sites, recognising the importance of enabling This package included: a challenging year, and 2021 continues to be
objects, and places, and to share information relating to them. ANSTO will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, so, with the COVID-19 pandemic significantly
and conduct research in recognition of the great antiquity and significance of as part of their self-determination, to impart . $56.9 million for the maintenance and upkeep of ANSTO’s extensive asset base, reducing the returns from ANSTO’s commercial
Aboriginal cultural heritage. We will work to achieve synergies between traditional their knowledge, skills and history directly. being an ongoing annual amount of $14.2 million. Importantly, this funding revenue streams.
Aboriginal knowledge and current scientific and technological practice. will allow us to continue to maintain our critical assets and progress our site
renewal plans; and That decrease has also been exacerbated by
nuclear medicine supply disruptions, which
3.1.6 Radioactive waste management . $59.8 million for the construction of an interim intermediate level solid waste have reduced export income and required
storage facility. The current interim facility (Building 27) will reach capacity for expensive imports to meet domestic needs.
The establishment of the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility We will continue to monitor the timing of
certain waste streams in 2027. ANSTO is responding to these challenges
(NRWMF) for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste and the interim storage of the establishment of the NRWMF, as its
and we continue to identify opportunities for
intermediate-level waste is critically important for ANSTO and Australia. development will significantly influence
commercial revenue.
ANSTO’s financial planning and decision-
making in relation to the management of its
radioactive waste holdings, conditioning and 3.1.9 COVID-19 research and population health
decommissioning plans, and the potential
need for any additional temporary storage at COVID-19 has caused social and economic crises and has necessitated the expedient We will continue to research and facilitate the
its southern Sydney campus. international coordination of research and development activities. In response to development of novel and effective diagnostics,
this, ANSTO provided priority access to its world-class infrastructure, namely the treatments and therapies for cancers, chronic
ANSTO will continue to support the Government Australian Synchrotron, for researchers seeking to understand the virus and develop illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases
in the establishment of the NRWMF through insights and potential treatments. among others. Our efforts will be enhanced by
the provision of expert advice and technical building on our synergistic partnerships and
support, which will contribute to the timely To date, more than 50 COVID-19 experiments have been supported using ANSTO’s collaborations to drive innovation, insight, and
A concept image of the proposed NRWMF.
implementation of Australia’s strategy for infrastructure, enabling researchers to visualise the molecular structure of COVID-19 discovery. More on these plans can be found in
radioactive waste management. proteins, which was an important precursor to the development of vaccines and ANSTO’s Health Strategy.
other preventative treatments.
3.1.7 Regulatory environment
ANSTO operates within a complex and highly-regulated business environment We will continue to develop and improve our
with varying degrees of accountability to more than 30 regulators across compliance framework and activities over the
international, federal and state levels. In recognition of this complexity, we have next four years.
developed a range of strategies, policies and systems that ensure compliance
with relevant laws and regulations.
ANSTO’s main regulators include:
. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
. Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO)
. Comcare
. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Beamline scientists Santosh Panjikar and Eleanor Campbell at ANSTO’s
Australian Synchrotron.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
213.2 Global factors
3.2.1 Remaining connected ANSTO’S RESPONSE 3.2.3 Environmental challenges ANSTO’S RESPONSE
Collaboration is at the heart of good science. The COVID-19 pandemic has created To support the next generation of STEM The sustainable use of land and water resources continues to be a challenge in We are conducting and enabling
new challenges for scientists across the globe to remain connected and ensure professionals and the continuity of their Australia and around the world. Moreover, as carbon dioxide emissions from inter-disciplinary research using nuclear
that important scientific endeavours continue to progress. As the custodian of studies, ANSTO will prioritise discretionary energy generation activities continue to rise, there is a concerted global effort to techniques focusing on water resource
Australia’s landmark and national research infrastructure, many researchers and access to early career researchers and shift to low-carbon energy generation technologies. sustainability, climate variability, ocean
industries from around Australia and the world rely on access to our facilities to students. ANSTO will also continue to support circulation, and the global carbon cycle to further
advance their research and provide support for their activities. the domestic and international scientific Climate change has also become a significant economic, environmental, and understand and prepare for the environmental
communities by participating in and running social issue with natural disasters such as droughts, floods and bushfires challenges of our time. We will continue to
In response to limits on international and domestic travel, ANSTO has expanded virtual conferences. Support for such initiatives becoming more frequent and intense. provide expert advice to Government on the
its ‘mail-in mode’ so it can continue to perform experiments for international and is resource-intensive, and necessarily feasibility of alternative energy generation
domestic researchers. Under this system, collaborators mail-in their samples to prolonged border closures are providing technologies, including nuclear-derived
ANSTO. ANSTO scientists then conduct the experiments and return the results. challenges for sustaining these efforts. technologies as part of a diverse energy mix.
ANSTO is also participating in an
3.2.2 Science and technology developments International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Coordinated Research Project (CRP) focused
The world is in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, which is heavily reliant Over the next four years, we are positioning
on the economics of Small Modular Reactors
upon innovation based on combinations of technologies as well as the growing ourselves to be an active partner of choice for
(SMRs), the next generation of nuclear power
utilisation of advanced manufacturing. Australian companies seeking to establish and
reactors being developed to combat climate
develop advanced manufacturing competences ANSTO scientist David Cohen taking air samples at Cape Grim in Tasmania.
challenge globally.
by leveraging our unique nuclear science and
research-based capabilities (refer to section 5.5.2).
3.2.4 Global supply chains
As these important developments continue to
take place across the global nuclear technology Our commercial activities operate within globally interconnected, complex supply We are working to establish more resilient
and scientific landscape, we remain committed chains. Our facilities have the capacity to produce up to 25 per cent of global needs and sustainable external supply chains. This
to leading Australia’s interactions with several for Mo-99, with potential export markets in the United States and the Asia-Pacific is complemented by initiatives to strengthen
international multilateral organisations. region. This will be a key focus for the next three to five years. manufacturing capabilities, facility operations,
and supply to customers.
Australia’s engagements with advanced The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact across the whole of the nuclear
scientific and infrastructure groups, such medicine supply chain during the early part of 2020–21, causing disruption to
as those undertaken with the International ANSTO’s international partnerships. The significant reduction in international flights
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), and border closures affected both ANSTO’s ability to receive and supply product in
an international nuclear fusion research Australia and its ability to supply its international customers.
and engineering megaproject, and CERN on
fundamental physics research, are critical to
ensuring Australia’s ongoing status as a highly 3.2.5 Peaceful applications of nuclear science
innovative and engaged global player.
and technology
ANSTO’s participation in the Generation IV Peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology remain an important pillar both We will continue to support these objectives
International Forum (GIF), a key international for global socioeconomic development and for Australia’s commitment to the global through active engagement in key nuclear fora
research program on new nuclear reactor non-proliferation regime. Nuclear techniques are vital in supporting development in including the IAEA, the Regional Cooperative
technologies, similarly enables Australia to areas such as human health, agriculture, environmental management, and energy Agreement (RCA), and the Forum for Nuclear
benefit from a collaborative network that brings and industry, directly supporting global implementation of the UN Sustainable Cooperation in Asia (FNCA).
together world-leading science and research. Development Goals. International cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear science
and technology is also one of the three pillars of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. As the
Sustained support for ongoing active national centre of excellence on nuclear science and technology, we are central to
involvement in important international demonstrating Australia’s implementation and commitment to this cooperation.
activities such as these is essential if Australia
is to fulfil its aspirations to be a global leader in Demonstrating Australia’s leadership in nuclear science and technology also brings
science and technology. Australia significant strategic benefits by giving credence to our claim as the most
ANSTO scientist Anna Paradowska conducting an experiment on the Kowari instrument in
advanced nuclear country in the region, and the de facto permanent seat on the
ANSTO’s Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering.
IAEA Board of Governors that such a position provides. This in turn gives Australia
a strong policy voice on issues such as international safeguards, nuclear safety
and security.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
233.3 Cooperation and collaboration
We strive to deliver our purpose by collaborating and cooperating with researchers, Australian and international universities,
governments, industry, the local community, and multilateral organisations.
International Community
We prioritise cooperative partnerships engagement
and collaborations. We understand
We engage Indigenous communities,
that they are essential to Australia’s
students and teachers to enhance
ability to deliver world-class research
participation in science, technology,
and innovation outcomes.
engineering, mathematics and medicine.
We have approximately 50 bilateral
agreements with foreign counterpart
organisations around the world.
STEM education and outreach
Indigenous engagement
Multilateral organisations
International counterparts
R&D community Research
We facilitate the connection between We partner with research institutions
science and industry to create innovative to drive world-class research and
solutions to the world’s challenges. innovation, tackle complex problems
and deliver tangible outcomes.
Innovation Precinct
Universities
Universities
Academics
Academics
Government Industries
Industries
We have prescribed responsibilities in
addition to Parliamentary and Ministerial
conventions that require the provision of
expert information and advice.
Local Councils
State
Federal
International
Agencies
Regulatory bodies
New South Wales State Premier The Hon
Gladys Berejiklian MP at the opening of the
new nandin Innovation Centre on 16 June, 2021.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
254 Strategy and key activities
KEY ACTIVITIES FOR 2021–2025:
4.1 STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE 1 – How we will deliver on our Strategy and Purpose
Research and research infrastructure Five-year R&D strategy for successful innovation in health
To conduct research and enable external use of our research capability This activity focuses on delivering improved health outcomes for all Australians through the effective application of radioisotopes
and related technologies, including radiopharmaceuticals. We will continue to use our sovereign capabilities in radioisotope and
and infrastructure for the national benefit. radiopharmaceutical development for the benefit and growth of nuclear medicine treatment and translational medical research.
This strategy focuses on three key areas:
4.1.1 Deliver and translate research that has scientific and industrial impact,
1. optimising our radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical portfolio through a combination of the development of new products,
with a focus on health, the environment and the nuclear fuel cycle
optimising existing in-sourced products, and providing capabilities to third parties that enable commercialisation of new products;
2. maximising ANSTO’s portfolio value by: (a) managing our ideas and projects across short, medium- and long-term horizons;
Health The environment Nuclear fuel cycle and (b) balancing in-house product innovation and provision of our capabilities to external parties; and
Human health research investigates We undertake inter-disciplinary Research into the nuclear fuel cycle 3. minimising time to value realisation and supporting rapid uptake of products and services through engagement with practitioners
biological processes that lead to the research, using nuclear and isotopic spans the mining of uranium to the from key parts of the value chain.
development of treatments for disease, techniques - that is targeted to fill data disposal of radioactive waste. We have
strategies to reduce the risk of disease, and knowledge gaps in environmental unique capabilities and expertise
and the development of more effective research, to inform sustainable in radioactive waste management, Current Research Information System and Portal (CRISP) project
treatments. management strategies, and to increase theoretical predictions of fuel properties,
Australia’s capacity to respond to modern and modelling the impacts of radiation The CRISP project will provide our organisation with best practice, integrated software tools and analytics to more effectively manage
environmental challenges. on materials. information and data related to all aspects of our research activities. Outcomes from the project will include improved reporting and
analytics, and improved support for compliance. An important aspect of the project will be an upgrade to improve functionality of the
Our key areas of focus for the Our key areas of focus for the Our key areas of focus include: ANSTO Research Portal, the gateway to submission of research proposals by all users of ANSTO’s research infrastructure.
next four years include: next four years include:
1. developing improved fuels for
1. advancing the understanding of 1. improving and contributing to the advanced reactor designs; Key activity Outcome 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
the effect of radiation on biological sustainable management of water
systems in a variety of contexts, resources in Australia; 2. investigating materials for use in Five-year R&D Improved health outcomes for all Australians through the
strategy for successful effective application of radioisotopes and radioisotope-enabled I I I I
including in space, in order to nuclear applications, and the effects
innovation in health technologies including radiopharmaceuticals.
improve prevention, diagnosis, 2. identifying, quantifying, and of irradiation, corrosion and high
treatment, and monitoring of disease; monitoring the scale and speed temperature on their structural
CRISP project Systems for both measuring scientific impact and
of human impacts on the natural properties; P I I I I
supporting user programs.
2. identifying, quantifying, and environment and climate change; and
monitoring the mechanisms which 3. advancing understanding of the
3. advancing knowledge of the P Preparation I Implementation C Completion M Monitoring and improving
cause, or influence the development management of spent fuel and
and progression of disease, and pathways and impacts of associated waste forms, including
translating this research into contaminants upon animals, plants, Synroc® technology; and
precision diagnostics and and the broader environment.
evidence-based treatments 4. providing support for the lifetime Performance measure 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
(‘translational research’); and management of the OPAL reactor.
Case studies demonstrating the impact of our research Eight case studies per reporting period
3. improving nuclear technology-
Total publications* >600 >600 >600 >600
based therapy outcomes, especially
for hard-to-treat cancers, through
External revenue from research and research services** $5M $5.25M $5.5M $5.75M
theranostics and the use of proton
therapy, heavy ion therapy, and
microbeam/mini-beam radiotherapy. * ANSTO only, ANSTO with national co-authors, ANSTO with international co-authors, ANSTO with both national and international co-authors.
** Excluding National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) grants.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
274.1.2 Form strategic partnerships and collaborations to leverage more effective Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS)
research outcomes for Australia and the world
. ACNS uses neutrons from the OPAL reactor to enable scientists and industries to solve
We will foster our network of strategic national and international We will continue to represent Australia in important international complex questions and problems.
research collaborations to ensure Australian scientists are fora on nuclear energy, agriculture, development cooperation,
connected to global networks of experts, who are undertaking nuclear security, nuclear safety, nuclear law, environmental . Neutron scattering enables research into areas of national importance including
research projects using technologically advanced infrastructure. studies, water security, human health, waste management, and health, food, materials engineering, quantum materials, energy, cultural heritage, and
nuclear education and outreach. environmental science.
Performance measure 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 . ACNS is a global leader in neutron science, is home to 15 neutron beam instruments and
is partially funded by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
Publications undertaken with national and international collaborators ≥95% ≥95% ≥95% ≥95%
. More than 1400 domestic and international user visits can be accommodated each year.
. In FY22, ANSTO will upgrade critical instrument systems and expand equipment at the
4.1.3 Operate world-class research infrastructure, and leverage capabilities to support ACNS. These investments will ensure ANSTO’s state-of-the-art neutron scattering research
infrastructure remains world-class and can operate reliably for decades to come.
translational research that delivers real-life benefits and impact
Our infrastructure places Australia at the forefront of Our primary landmark infrastructure consists of the OPAL
translational research and innovation for the benefit of multi-purpose reactor, the Australian Synchrotron, the Australian
public health, industry and the environment, and is used by Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS), the Centre for Accelerator
universities, researchers and industry from around Australia Science (CAS), and the National Deuteration Facility (NDF).
and internationally.
LUCAS HEIGHTS | NSW
OPAL multi-purpose reactor Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS)
. OPAL is one of the world’s leading multi-purpose reactors, and uses proliferation- . CAS delivers expertise in accelerator applications, accelerator systems and
resistant low enriched uranium for a wide range of applications. development, and sample preparation chemistry,
. OPAL produces 80 per cent of Australia’s nuclear medicines. Every Australian is likely . CAS operates four mega-electron volt accelerators, a suite of 12 chemical laboratories,
to benefit from nuclear medicine, and on average will have at least two nuclear and electrical and mechanical support facilities to support research and innovation
medicine procedures in their lifetime. communities with accelerator science applications in materials’ characterisation,
analysis, modification, and testing.
. OPAL supplies neutrons for research at the ACNS.
. CAS outcomes are deepening our understanding of climate change and cultural
. OPAL processes over 50 per cent of the world’s neutron transmutation doped silicon heritage, supporting a sustainable environment, revealing the sources of atmospheric
used by the semiconductor industry in high-reliability and high precision applications, pollution, driving development in advanced manufacturing capabilities, space and
such as power transmission infrastructure, fast trains and hybrid cars. quantum technologies, and next generation cancer treatments, and detecting and
preventing nuclear proliferation.
. CAS has world-class expertise in high-sensitivity trace element analysis, surface
characterisation, ultrasensitive isotope dating, micro-scale irradiation, and nano-
scale ion positioning.
. CAS is the largest centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere and welcomes
several hundred users annually, collaborating with Australian and international
universities, local industries, the IAEA, state Environmental Protection Agencies, and
Publicly Funded Research Agencies. CAS is partially funded by NCRIS.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
29National Deuteration Facility (NDF) KEY ACTIVITIES FOR 2021–2025:
How we will deliver on our Strategy and Purpose
. The NDF is the only facility of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a world leader OPAL multi-purpose reactor upgrades Project BR–GHT
in chemical deuteration and is partially funded by NCRIS.
The OPAL multi-purpose reactor has been operating since To date, $95.6 million has been secured for project BR-GHT from
. Deuteration enables scientists to use various characterisation techniques, such as 2007. OPAL is a 20-Megawatt multi-purpose research reactor more than 30 universities, research institutes, and government
neutron scattering and spectroscopy, more effectively in the investigation of the for radioisotope production, irradiation services, and scientific agencies in Australia and New Zealand. This is enabling ANSTO
relationship between the structure and function of materials. neutron beam research. OPAL uses low enriched uranium fuel in to construct up to nine additional beamlines at the Australian
a compact core, cooled by light water and moderated by heavy Synchrotron over the coming years. This will nearly double the
. Deuteration is useful where it leads to improved properties in materials in their water. It is also equipped with a special Cold Neutron Source Australian Synchrotron’s research capacity. This level of support
end-use application, including drugs and other nanotechnology or (CNS) operating at minus 250 degrees Celsius, which provides highlights the importance of the facility to the Australian and New
biotechnology-based materials. further research capabilities. This CNS has a limited operating Zealand innovation and science ecosystem.
life; its planned upgrade will preserve and enhance our ability to
continue to provide effective scientific infrastructure utilisation for The planned beamlines to be constructed include:
science, research, and industry partners.
. Microcomputed Tomography beamline (MCT):
We will also be replacing and expanding the neutron beam This will open a window to micron-scale 3D structures at high
shutters in OPAL, which will complement our long-term plans speeds. The beamline will facilitate important research for
to build a second neutron guide hall and maintain neutron Australian industries, such as analysing the microstructure
transmission efficiency for experiments undertaken at the ACNS. of coal and coke for the mining and energy sectors, and the
development of high-grade medical implants.
. Two Medium Energy X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
beamlines (MEX 1&2):
These will provide an energy range that is not currently
CLAYTON CAMPUS | VIC available to Australian and New Zealand researchers. They will
assist the mining industry in developing improved mineral
Australian Synchrotron processing practices, and will assist researchers to investigate
the use of sulphur as a preservative in food and beverages.
. The Australian Synchrotron uses accelerator technology to produce a powerful source . Small Angle X-ray Scattering beamline (BioSAXS):
of light, a million times brighter than the sun. This will improve drug design and validation processes,
among other applications.
. Synchrotron light is guided into beamlines that are used for a wide variety of research
purposes including human health, energy, agriculture and manufacturing. . Advanced Diffraction and Scattering beamlines (ADS 1&2):
These will provide high-energy X-ray capabilities with
. Experiments with synchrotron light provide unique advantages in terms of accuracy, applications for the mineral, manufacturing, and materials
level of detail and faster results that complement a wide range of other experimental sectors, including energy, transport, defence, marine, and
techniques that ANSTO offers. aerospace sectors.
. The Australian Synchrotron hosts more than 5,000 researcher visits annually. . Nanoprobe beamline (Nanoprobe):
This will have applications in health, biology, nanomaterials,
. The Australian Synchrotron is undergoing significant expansion over the reporting and environment.
period. More details can be found under Key Activities.
. High Performance Macromolecular Crystallography
beamline (MX3):
This will support the latest techniques in structural biology,
investigations of disease, and drug development.
Inside the OPAL multi-purpose reactor at Lucas Heights. The distinctive
blue colour is called Cherenkov radiation.
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ANSTO Corporate Plan 2021 – 2022
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