IAEA Board of Governors Meeting - Agenda Item 4: Strengthening the Agency’s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications
Australian Statement
Ms Marina Francis, Alternate Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
8 September 2025
Chair,
Australia thanks the Director General for his comprehensive report.
The Agency’s work in nuclear science, technology and applications remains central to enabling all Member States to leverage nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. These activities make a vital contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
Chair,
Australia recognises the importance of the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Applications (SAGNA) in guiding the Agency’s strategic priorities.
In February 2025, Dr Andrew Peele, Group Executive of ANSTO’s Nuclear Science and Technology Group, chaired his first SAGNA meeting, reflecting Australia’s commitment to advancing peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
Chair,
Australia welcomes progress under Rays of Hope. This initiative is crucial for improving global access to nuclear medicine, imaging, and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, especially in developing countries.. Australia contributes to coordinated research projects on theranostics and dosimetry, supporting innovation in radiopharmaceuticals and quality assurance in radiation medicine, and plays an essential role in the global supply of medical radioisotopes, including molybdenum-99.
Australia is also proud to support the Sub Regional Approach to the Pacific Islands Program, which strengthens health and nuclear medicine capabilities across the Pacific. In June 2025, Monash University hosted a Regional Workshop on Advanced Radiological Techniques and Innovative Technologies in Medical Imaging, helping to build Pacific expertise in advanced imaging techniques for improved patient care.
Chair,
Australia values the Agency’s work in food security and environmental protection.
Through Atoms4Food, Australian scientists are helping Member States build climate-resilient agriculture, improve soil health and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Australia is also collaborating on groundwater sustainability and ocean health, including through the GloWAL network and NUTEC Plastics.
ANSTO’s expertise in radiochemistry and environmental monitoring underpin these efforts, supporting sustainable agriculture, water management and marine protection.
Chair,
ANSTO’s OPAL multipurpose reactor remains one of the most reliable and versatile in the world, operating for around 300 days each year. OPAL supports neutron beam research, isotope production and training for regional partners.
ANSTO remains committed to working with the IAEA and regional partners to strengthen research reactor capabilities and infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific.
Australia is also committed to advancing safe and sustainable radioactive waste management.
ANSTO’s Synroc technology provides an innovative solution for nuclear waste, complementing the Agency’s efforts to develop advanced waste forms and strengthen global waste management practices.
Chair,
Australia is committed to advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the nuclear sector. ANSTO looks forward to hosting a Lise Meitner Fellowship Programme in Australia in early 2026, providing opportunities for women in all their diversity to develop leadership skills and strengthen their participation in nuclear science and technology.
With these comments, Australia is pleased to take note of the report.
Thank you, Chair.