Atomic Angst and the Way Ahead Ian Hore-Lacy, General Manager of the Uranium Information Centre and Dr John Boldeman, Director of the Australian Synchrotron Research Program at ANSTO. Wednesday 25 August, 1999, 7-9pm Harlequin Inn (formerly the Duke of Edinburgh pub), 152 Harris Street, Pyrmont. The aim of this evening is to look at the possible future of nuclear energy and nuclear science and to give people a chance to ask lots of questions. We are not aiming to get into a debate about local issues. Our speakers are knowlegeable in the broader issues of nuclear science and nuclear technology, and their role when compared to other energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, and the need not to exacerbate greenhouse emissions. To introduce you to them: Ian Hore-Lacy Ian is the General Manager of the Uranium Information Centre in Melbourne. This Centre was set up in 1978 in Melbourne as a retailer of information on uranium and the nuclear fuel cycle for electricity generation. Ian is a former biology teacher at Geelong College who joined the mining industry as an environmental scientist in 1974. He is author of Nuclear Electricity, the fifth edition of which appeared early in 1999. It is probably the most widely used school text in Australia dealing with nuclear power. From 1974 to 1993 Ian spent 20 years with CRA (now Rio Tinto), starting as Environmental Scientist based in the company's head office and finishing in Corporate Relations. Ian's particular interests range from the technical to the ethical and theological aspects of mineral resources and their use, especially nuclear power. He has written several books on mining and related issues. Ian's poem: The Uranium Enigma The mysteries of nuclear fission Perplexed the Ranger Commission But the questions of who did what where Were approached with commendable care. As Senator Evans was quick to remark Clapped out buffalo country made a helluva Park But Fox got his way and the rest of us queue To see Israel eclipsed by Kakadu. But Kakadu mystery grows stronger As people remember no longer That rational thoughts to accommodate each Make more sense than emotional rhetoric. So miners remain under scrutiny While hippie romantics mutiny And twenty years on, the track record's gone To show NORM's* more significant anyway. And what of all our yellowcake In global market ferment? Of U from here and U from there, recycled MOX and weapons' pox All gone to make electricity. Is greenhouse now the main persuader That nuclear power should be much greater? What wastes go where, and when? they ask If it's nuclear stuff, let's see the cask. So environment paradigms sunder Green ideologue notions and plunder From the folk who care 'bout the state of the air And harness technology boldly! Ian Hore-Lacy 16/8/99 * naturally-occuring radioactive materials John Boldeman John is a senior scientist at ANSTO. Educated at Nudgee College, Queensland, John graduated with a BSc Hons from Queensland University in 1960, joining ANSTO in the same year. He obtained a PhD from UNSW in 1971 based on fundamental studies of the fission process and was awarded a DSc by the same institution in 1984. Apart from two attachments overseas, John has remained at ANSTO where he was the Director of the Physics Division for more than nine years. During this time he was responsible for the installation and development of the 9 MV tandem accelerator, the specification and testing of the National Medical Cyclotron and was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Synchrotron Research Program, of which he is currently Facility Director. John's research interests have included studies in nuclear physics, nuclear and atomic data, fission and neutron capture cross sections, fission product yields, safeguards, radiation standards, accelerator technology, astrophysics and application of synchrotron radiation. He has written more than 200 research papers and has been active in the international science arena, reviewing scientific programs in six countries for the International Atomic Energy Agency. Elected to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 1993, he has served on the Federal Council for two years and is currently secretary of the NSW Division. `Science in the Pub'(TM) is an initiative of the Australian Science Communicators (NSW) and supported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It is staged from 7.00-9.00 pm on the last Wednesday of the month (Feb - Nov) at the Harlequin Inn (formerly known as the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel), 152 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 2009. (Telephone (02) 9660 8146. UBD Map ref pg235 P10.) Dinner is available from the Gong Thai restaurant attached to the pub. Parking is difficult-best at the Casino ($10, 6pm to midnight). Door entry is $5. For further information on `Science in the Pub' please contact Robyn Stutchbury on rstutch@ozemail.com.au of Peripatus Productions Pty Limited, 1 Carisbrook Street, Lane Cove 2066, Tel: 02 9427 6747, Fax: 02 9418 9605 Next Science in the Pub session, September 29: Presenters to be announced.
Science in the Pub™, © 2000. Stutchbury, R, Burton, M.