ANSTO

28/10/2026

“I feel that my voice matters here.”

For Senior Radiochemist Elisabeth Tondl, working at ANSTO means opportunities to grow, colleagues she can trust and the confidence to be herself.

Her story brings a personal perspective to our commitment to a workplace where people feel valued, supported and able to contribute. As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we’re committed to advancing gender equity and supporting women to build rewarding careers.

Watch Elisabeth share her experience of being a woman in science at ANSTO.

19/10/2026

Environmental scientists Elizabeth and Eliza share how ANSTO is committed to helping to preserve Australia’s precious water resources. Our scientists have sampled underground water from over (500) sites nationally to determine the age of the water, the source, how it is replenished, monitor hydrology processes and detect the presence of contaminants. We can tell you all this from a water sample.

16/10/2026

What can everyday food packaging tell us about “forever chemicals”?

A new, free classroom resource from ANSTO gives students the chance to investigate PFAS using real data produced by our scientists.

PFAS are human-made chemicals used in a range of everyday products, including some food packaging and waterproof clothing. They resist breaking down, which means they can persist in the environment for a very long time.

Using data on PFAS in fibre-based food packaging in Australia, students can:

🔬 Explore what PFAS are and why they are an environmental concern
📊 Analyse real scientific data and build their data science skills
🌏 Investigate the connection between everyday materials and the environment

They’ll also discover how ANSTO science is supporting industry initiatives to phase out PFAS in fibre-based food packaging.

For teachers, it’s a curriculum-aligned way to bring Australian science into the classroom and connect learning with a real-world environmental challenge.

👇 Access the free dataset via the link in the comments.

12/10/2026

OPAL is in the spotlight! 📺

We’re excited to share this 9 News Sydney feature celebrating 20 years of achievement at ANSTO and showcasing the passionate people behind our OPAL reactor.

From producing nuclear medicines used in hospitals and clinics across Australia to supporting cutting-edge research, OPAL makes a difference in ways you might not expect. It’s a critical national capability that strengthens Australia’s sovereign capability, fulfils important international commitments and helps drive future prosperity.

Check out the story to see the people, science and national impact behind OPAL.

07/10/2026

🍌 Did you know the humble banana is naturally radioactive?

Before you put down your banana, don't worry. Naturally occurring radiation is all around us, from the ground beneath our feet to some of the foods we eat.

The potassium in bananas contains tiny amounts of naturally occurring radioactive potassium-40. In fact, you'd need to eat around 1,000 bananas to receive about the same radiation dose as a flight from Sydney to New York.

Happy National Banana Day! 🍌
Interested in how radioactive you are? Take our online quiz to learn more about some of the common sources of radioactivity.
Link in comments

01/10/2026

Have you ever wondered what sound looks like?

We've launched this simple at-home STEM activity to help young scientists explore sound waves by creating incredible patterns using vibrations or turning their voice into artworks.

It's hands-on, engaging and a great reminder that science is all around us.

🎵 Suitable for primary aged children. Easy for parents and carers too 😉
🔗 Activity link in the comments.

Sonic Science: Uncover the science behind music as you investigate how sound is created and transmitted. Then combine engineering, creativity and artistic flair to design and build your own musical instruments and discover the musician within.

01/10/2026

☕ Did you enjoy a coffee on International Coffee Day?

Here's something you might not know: nuclear science can help verify the origin and authenticity of coffee.

By analysing naturally occurring isotopes in coffee beans, scientists can gather clues about where coffee was grown, helping support quality assurance and consumer confidence.

Watch this short video from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to learn more. ☕🔬

Did you know that every coffee bean holds a story? Using nuclear te...

01/10/2026

Flying might seem like magic, but it's actually science.

Check out this new at-home STEM activity and explore the science that keeps kites, gliders and aircraft soaring through the sky.

Through hands-on experiments and creative design challenges, young scientists can discover the forces behind flight and test their own flying creations.

🪁 Suitable for primary-aged children.
🔗 Activity link in the comments.

Amazing Aeronautics: Become an aeronautical engineer for the day! Investigate the forces that make objects fly and glide, experiment with different designs, and create your own high-flying invention.

30/09/2026

🌈 Ever wondered how a kaleidoscope creates such incredible patterns?

Explore the fascinating science of light, reflection and colour through this hands-on STEM activity.
Create stunning kaleidoscopes, solve secret coded messages and discover how mirrors can transform light into amazing visual effects.

✨ Suitable for primary-aged children. Fun for big kids too!

🔗 Activity link in the comments.

Magical Mirrors: Explore the magic of light and mirrors as you create stunning kaleidoscopes, solve secret coded messages, and discover the science of reflection. Put your engineering skills to the test by building a light maze or a box that transforms light into a spectacular display of colour.

30/09/2026

Before a computer chip goes to space, we bring space to it. 🚀

See how ANSTO’s ANTARES particle accelerator simulates space radiation to test whether electronics can withstand the extreme environment beyond Earth. 🌍