The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a statutory body of the Australian government, formed in 1987 to replace the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. Its head office and main facilities are in southern outskirts of Sydney at Lucas Heights, in the Sutherland Shire. Purpose The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia's national nuclear organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987 (Cth) prescribes its general purpose. The purpose is translated into action through corporate drivers of vision, mission and strategic goals. Mission statement To support the development and implementation of government policies and initiatives in nuclear and related areas, domestically and internationally To operate nuclear science and technology based facilities, for the benefit of industry and the Australian and international research community To undertake research that will advance the application of nuclear science and technology To apply nuclear science, techniques and expertise to address Australia 's environmental challenges and increase the competitiveness of Australian industry To manufacture and advance the use of radiopharmaceuticals which will improve the health of Australians Structure ANSTO is governed by The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett. Penelope Dobson is the Deputy Chair. The CEO, Shaun Jenkinson, manages the organisation. ANSTO operates five research facilities: OPAL research reactor Centre for Accelerator Science Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering Cyclotron facility Australian Synchrotron Major research instruments include: Particle accelerator, ANTARES High-resolution neutron powder diffractometer, ECHIDNA High-intensity neutron powder diffractometer, WOMBAT Strain scanner, KOWARI Neutron reflectometer, PLATYPUS ANSTO also manufactures radiopharmaceuticals and performs commercial work such as silicon doping by nuclear transmutation. Nuclear reactors ANSTO currently has two nuclear reactors onsite: HIFAR and the OPAL from the Argentine company INVAP. HIFAR was permanently shut down on 30 January 2007. OPAL became operational in November 2006 and was officially opened 20 April 2007. Spent fuel from the reactors is transported to Port Kembla, then shipped to France for reprocessing. In 2017, ANSTO announced the creation of a NiMo-SiC alloy for use in molten salt reactors. See also Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency Australian Federal Police Defence Science and Technology Organisation Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office References External links Official ANSTO site ANSTO reiterates nuclear waste dump safety Chronology -- Australia's nuclear political history Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia Nuclear organizations Scientific organisations based in Australia Nuclear energy in Australia Nuclear technology in Australia Research institutes