UNSW launches Nuclear Innovation Centre with $7.5M grant from Tyree Foundation

The University of New South Wales has introduced the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre, made conceivable by a $7.5 million gift from the Sir William Tyree Foundation, aimed toward fostering research, grants, and academic positions in nuclear engineering.

Formally opened by the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, the UNIC addresses a pivotal moment for nuclear science in Australia, with a promise to drive development and advancement in the field.

“This is a fantastic initiative that will bring together experts from different disciplines to collaborate and innovate. Australia has a long and proud history of excellence in nuclear science and technology, and UNSW has led the way,” Conroy said.

The UNIC, situated at UNSW’s Kensington campus, is imagined as a cross-disciplinary and cross-industry hub, uniting together from UNSW and research partners like the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the University of Sydney, and the University of Wollongong.

Its central goal is to develop a skilled workforce and future leaders to impel Australia towards a competitive and prosperous nuclear technology industry.

Associate Professor Edward Obbard, director of the UNIC, communicated his team’s devotion to propelling Australia’s nuclear technology for global impact.

“We are growing a nuclear workforce in Australia grounded in academic excellence, diversity, and social inclusion,” Obbard said.

Nuclear technology holds different applications ranging from clean electricity generation to atomic medication and space propulsion.

Additionally, it assumes a significant part in supporting initiatives like the federal government’s AUKUS submarine program, requiring a skilled labour force in different nuclear-related fields.

Robbie Fennell, chair of the Sir William Tyree Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s obligation to advance nuclear training and research, expanding upon many years of philanthropic partnership with UNSW.

“Our gift to the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre builds on a decade of support for nuclear engineering that saw us help to establish Australia’s first Master in Nuclear Engineering in 2014.

Sir William believed Australia must capitalise on nuclear technologies, and I’m sure he’d be proud of our role in progressing nuclear education and research that will develop the technologies and skills for all possible nuclear futures,” Fennell said.