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Nuclear Matters

Nuclear Matters

By: Liz Williams
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About this listen

From cancer treatments that save lives to energy solutions dividing the nation, Nuclear Matters explores Australia's nuclear past, present, and future with the help of experts actively working on these issues.

Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University (ANU) College of Systems and Society. Its creator, host and lead producer is Liz Williams, Nuclear Systems Discipline Lead for the ANU School of Engineering.

The Australian National University 2025
Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • S01E05: Trust, technology, and radioactive waste, with Nate Smith
    Aug 26 2025

    What do you think about radioactive waste? This is a question that most nuclear professionals need to consider at some point in their careers. In today’s episode, Tellus CEO and Managing Director Nate Smith joins us to talk about what it’s like to establish a radioactive waste facility in Australia. We learn about what radioactive waste is, the many industrial processes –including clean energy technologies –that produce it, and some of the ways this waste is managed. Nate also shares insights into consent-based siting, community engagement with Traditional Owners, and the importance of building trust.

    CREDITS

    Guest: Nate Smith

    Host: Elizabeth Williams

    Producers: Julieanne Dougherty, Elizabeth Williams

    Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

    Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the help of Ryan Bloxsom in the production of this episode.

    Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this podcast is being recorded on or listened to, and pay our respects to their Elders – and all First Nations people.

    If you want to send us some feedback on an episode, email us at nuclearmatterspodcast@anu.edu.au.

    Keep in mind that this podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.

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    51 mins
  • S01E04: Supporting nuclear education, with Dr AJ Mitchell
    Jul 29 2025

    In this episode, we explore how education in nuclear science can serve as a bridge between nations.

    I’ve invited Dr AJ Mitchell, an experimental nuclear physicist here at the ANU, to help us with this exploration.

    AJ’s journey into international nuclear education began with a simple email—an unexpected opportunity that led to meaningful collaborations with Myanmar and Cambodia that supported nuclear research and education in contexts very different from his own.

    Credits:

    Guest: AJ Mitchell

    Host: Liz Williams

    Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

    Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this podcast is being recorded on or listened to, and pay our respects to their Elders – and all First Nations people.

    If you want to send us some feedback on an episode, email us at nuclearmatterspodcast@anu.edu.au.

    Keep in mind that this podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • S01E03: Securing nuclear technologies, with Jaz Diab
    Jun 24 2025

    This episode explores all things nuclear security with Jasmin Diab. Jaz is the Managing Director of Global Nuclear Security Partners and President of Women in Nuclear Australia. She is also a military veteran with a couple of decades of experience thinking about how to secure nuclear technologies – both here and abroad.

    I am personally fascinated by how experienced nuclear professionals grapple with changes in both technologies and geopolitics. I invited Jaz because I thought she could help me explore this in more depth. Long story short: she delivered.

    Credits:

    Guest: Jasmin Diab

    Host / Producer: Liz Williams

    Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

    Episode notes:

    Jaz also flags a favourite micro reactor project she's following. You can find out more about that here: Project Pele

    We discuss Women in Nuclear Australia towards the end of the episode. If you are working in nuclear and support diversity in the workforce, you can Women in Nuclear (Global) or (Australia) for free.

    Acknowledgements:

    Thank you to the ANU College of Systems and Society for supporting the production of this podcast.

    Disclaimers:

    This podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.