IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda Item 4: Strengthening the Agency’s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications: Nuclear Technology Review 2026
3 March 2026
Statement by Mr Jonathon Lee, Advisor, Australian Permanent Mission to the IAEA
Thank you, Chair.
Australia welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Director General’s Nuclear Technology Review 2026. We reiterate our support for the Agency’s role in fostering research, development and enhanced access to the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology.
Chair,
In 2026, Australia marks a significant milestone with twenty years of safe and reliable operation of the OPAL multi-purpose research reactor. Over two decades, OPAL has become a cornerstone of Australia’s nuclear science capability and a trusted contributor to health, supporting the large-scale production of life-saving medical radioisotopes and enabling thousands of research projects in the fields of human health, the nuclear fuel cycle and the environment. OPAL’s strong safety record and reliable performance reflect Australia’s enduring commitment to the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology. This milestone underscores the value of sustained investment in world class research infrastructure and reinforces Australia’s readiness to continue sharing expertise and experience with Member States.
Chair,
Australia recognises the important role that IAEA Collaborating Centres play in supporting the Agency’s mandate. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has been honoured to support the IAEA as a Collaborating Centre, with a key focus on peaceful uses projects which deliver tangible impacts in medicine, food security, environmental management and applied nuclear science research for our region; and supporting IAEA delivery of capacity building projects in nuclear science with a focus on the Asia and Pacific region.
The current Collaborating Centre agreement concluded in 2025, marking the successful completion of this cycle of cooperation. Australia values the close partnership established with the Agency and expresses its appreciation for the productive collaboration achieved over this period. ANSTO looks forward to the opportunity to be re-designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre and to continue its support for the Agency’s mandate in relation to nuclear science, technology and applications.
Chair,
In 2026, Australia is progressing with commissioning activities for its first-of-a-kind waste treatment facility deploying ANSTO Synroc® technology. ANSTO Synroc® technology is an Australian innovation that mimics natural geological processes and transforms radioactive waste into a stable, durable form suitable for final disposal. Developed to minimise disposal volume, it also reduces lifecycle costs and environmental risks for managing radioactive waste. The project represents a significant milestone in the application of innovative waste conditioning technologies. ANSTO Synroc® technology also demonstrates strong potential for broader application to a range of complex waste streams, including those associated with advanced reactor designs and Small Modular Reactors. We look forward to continuing to progress this landmark project toward licensing and operation.
Chair,
With these comments, we are pleased to take note of the Nuclear Technology Review 2026.