Nuclear For Industry and Policymakers

Next Dates: 2 Mar; View more dates
Duration: 16 hours
Delivery mode: In-person
Location: Adelaide

Spots remaining: AVAILABLE
Price (AUD inc. GST): 1 day $2,051 / 2 day $3,584

Engineer stands against the background of a nuclear power plant

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Course summary

Understanding nuclear policy for decision-makers

This course provides leaders and policymakers with a clear, non-technical understanding of nuclear technology and the policy considerations shaping its governance in Australia. Over two days, participants explore nuclear fundamentals, safety, regulation and strategic issues—supporting informed decision-making in areas such as energy, defence and national policy.

Participants may register for either day individually or both days.

Who will benefit

Senior leaders, executives, and policymakers responsible for decisions involving energy, defence, security or technology policy
Advisors and managers who assess nuclear-related risks, regulation or strategy without an engineering background
Professionals engaging with government, industry or international partners on nuclear-related initiatives

Course is suitable for

Decision-makers seeking a high-level, policy-focused understanding of nuclear technology in the Australian context
Professionals needing to engage confidently in nuclear-related discussions without technical training
Leaders responsible for governance, strategy or risk in nuclear-adjacent domains

Delivered by experts

Assosciate Professor Edward Obbard

Director - UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre

Professor Edward Obbard is a nuclear materials engineer in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Sydney.
He obtained his PhD in materials science in 2010, at the Chinese Academy of Science Institute of Metal Research and previously studied Mechanical Design, Materials and Manufacture at the University of Nottingham, UK.
Obbard applies fundamental knowledge of materials to industrial problems in nuclear and manufacturing engineering. He has researched manufacture and repair technology in the gas turbine power industry.
At the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, he designed, then managed the construction and commissioning of a hot cell facility for nuclear materials research and radioactive materials testing.
He also designed, and performed engineering analysis of, nuclear materials testing facilities that are now part of the Open-Pool Australian Light-water Reactor.

Associate Professor Patrick Burr

Deputy Director - UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre

Patrick Burr is an Associate Professor in the UNSW Sydney Faculty of Engineering.
The aim of his research is to discover the degradation mechanisms of materials used in energy applications, to aid the design of new materials with improved resilience to degradation processes.
His focus is on nuclear materials (fusion and fission) as these are subject to the most extreme conditions and therefore pose the greatest challenge, but he continually transfer the knowledge to solar cells, solid electrolyte fuel cells, electrochemical capacitor and batteries.

About the course

Nuclear knowledge for strategic decision-making

This course provides a clear, non-technical introduction to nuclear technology and the policy frameworks that govern its use in Australia. Participants gain foundational insight into nuclear principles, safety and energy applications, alongside briefings on security, safeguards and non-proliferation—supporting informed, strategic decision-making in a complex policy environment.

Why enrol in this course

Make informed nuclear decisions

Gain the foundational nuclear knowledge needed to confidently assess policy, risk and strategic implications without an engineering background.

Understand Australia’s nuclear context

Explore how nuclear technology, security, and safeguards apply specifically within Australia, including AUKUS and domestic nuclear operations.

Engage confidently in policy discussions

Build the capability to participate effectively in high-level discussions involving government, defence, industry and international stakeholders.

Key features

Nuclear fundamentals for decision-makers

Provides a clear, high-level overview of nuclear principles, reactors, safety and the fuel cycle tailored for non-technical decision-makers.

Policy, security and governance perspectives

Examines nuclear power, propulsion, security, non-proliferation and safeguards through a strong policy and governance lens.

Australia’s nuclear landscape

Focuses on the uniquely Australian nuclear environment, including regulatory settings, national interests and AUKUS considerations.

Learning outcomes

Strengthening decision-making capability

On completion of this course, participants will be better equipped to assess nuclear-related policy, governance and strategic issues in Australia. They will gain the confidence to engage in informed discussions, understand key risks and responsibilities, and contribute effectively to decision-making across government, industry and defence contexts.

What you'll learn

Participants will gain a high-level understanding of the foundations of nuclear engineering, including how nuclear reactors operate, nuclear safety principles, radiation fundamentals and the nuclear fuel cycle. The program also examines nuclear power and propulsion, alongside the policy and regulatory frameworks that govern their use — including nuclear security, non-proliferation and safeguards — with a particular focus on the Australian context and AUKUS.

Topics covered

Basics of nuclear physics for policy context
How nuclear reactors work
Nuclear safety and radiation fundamentals
The nuclear fuel cycle
Nuclear power and propulsion
Nuclear security and non-proliferation
Nuclear safeguards and regulation

Course delivery

Format	Commitment	Method
In-person	Two days of face-to-face participation	The course combines active engagement in discussions and briefings

Schedule

Delivered over two days, the course combines expert-led briefings, clear explanations and facilitated discussion:

Day 1	Day 2
9am - 10.30am: Foundations and Global Context 11am - 12.30pm: Radiation interactions, nuclear safety culture and WHS 1.30pm - 3pm: Regulating Nuclear Power, nuclear safety and nuclear security 3.30pm - 5pm: The state of Nuclear Globally and nuclear case studies	9am - 10.30am: Security, Policy and Future Directions 11am - 12.30pm: Future policy for Nuclear Waste Management and social license 1.30pm - 3pm: Economic analysis of new reactor technology. 3.30pm - 5pm: Nuclear Futures