From revolutionising the mining industry with gold-detecting X-rays to the production of life-saving nuclear medicines, this panel of experts breaks down the stereotypes of nuclear science, shares their unusual career journeys, and discusses how nuclear physics is a powerful tool for global health, security and industrial innovation.

Host: Elvira Copur (Membership Manager at ATSE)

Moderator: Dr James Tickner FTSE (Co-founder and CTO of Chrysos Corporation)

Guest:

• Meg Hennessy - Licensing Officer at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Nuclear Medicine

1. Careers in nuclear physics

• Just as electricity has multiple uses, nuclear science has two main branches [05:24].
• It’s not just theoretical "atom smashing" at CERN and DESY, there’s applied science that solves real-world problems [09:12].
• Understanding the intersection of engineering and medicine as a career passion [15:25].

2. Innovation in industry & medicine

• Toxic chemical processes in mining being replaced with high-energy X-rays [03:26] - https://chrysoscorp.com/photonassay/.
• Nuclear isotopes are used to diagnose and treat serious illnesses [20:28].
• The reality of working at Australia's only nuclear reactor [26:11] - ANSTO - OPAL Multipurpose Reactor.

3. Global impact & success

• STEM is a global passport that will take you to many countries for work [11:11].
• Challenges of convincing an entire industry to move toward clean, modern technology [37:11].

4. Advice for students & early career researchers [25:01]

• The importance of resilience and opportunities to find dream career pathways later in life.
• Scientists need to be good writers and speakers to persuade others and lead teams.
• Following curiosity is the most important trait for a budding scientist
• It’s important to build networks to succeed as a young professional - https://www.ausygn.org

"Physics is for everyone... find the way your brain works - whether you love living things, the chemical world, or thinking visually—and let that shape your career." - Dr James Tickner

"In science, if you're not winning, you're learning. Every wrong avenue teaches you something new." - Meg Hennessy

• IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship: Global program for women in nuclear science – iaea.org
• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNXyH31dnpw

The panel of experts explores the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. The discussion highlights how these technologies are transforming industries—from life-saving beach safety apps to precision agriculture and disaster management—and emphasises that a career in AI is accessible to anyone with curiosity, regardless of their starting point.

Host: Laura Navarro (STEM Careers Strategy Manager at ATSE)

Moderator: Professor Toby Walsh FTSE (Chief Scientist, UNSW AI Institute)

Guests:

• Dr Vivian (Viv) Roland - Research Scientist at CSIRO and ATSE ICM Agri-Food Award winner
• Sara Mills - Firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, PhD Candidate, and Elevate Scholar

1. Non-linear career paths

• Toby [06:09]
• Viv [14:42]
• Sara [25:44]

2. AI for social good: real-world applications

• AI apps developed with Surf Life Saving Australia to identify dangerous rips in real-time [11:37] - UNSW RipEye Project
• Using AI to interpret complex imagery for precision agriculture [16:42] - https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2022/January/hairnet-cotton-breeding.
• AI can be used not just for immediate response, but to help communities recover their mental health and infrastructure faster after bushfires [35:17].

3. Debunking STEM myths

• You don't need to be a professional coder to work in AI [40:34].
• Maths can be a language for problem-solving rather than an enemy [27:21].
• Being the top of the class isn't a prerequisite for success in AI [39:51].

4. Advice for Students & Early Career Researchers [36:54]

• Network and connect with people whose work ignites your spark.
• The importance of asking "why" and backing yourself when unconventional opportunities arise.

"AI and robotics are changing how we live, work, and solve complex challenges everywhere from healthcare to agriculture." - Professor Toby Walsh

"Find your spark, nurture your spark, because that's where the magic happens." - Dr Viv Roland

"Practice makes progress, not perfection. Curiosity should guide you to do hard things because that’s where you find out what you’re made of." - Sara Mills

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWGcpaixq0

The panel of experts discusses Australia's transition to clean, secure, and reliable energy systems. The guests share their diverse career journeys—from chemical and mechanical engineering to offshore wind development—highlighting the critical role of STEM in solving global sustainability challenges and the importance of lifelong learning.

Host: Sarah Gavel (Partnerships and Development Manager at ATSE)

Moderator: Rachelle Doyle FTSE (Energy Advocate & Strategy Leader)

Guests:

• Colin Sheldon - Consulting Manager at Aurecon
• Linden Blair - Head of Power Development (West Coast and Offshore) at Alinta Energy

1. Career paths

• Rachelle [06:40]
• Colin [11:51]
• Linden [20:15]

2. Innovation & technology in the energy transition

• Standards Australia creating safety guidelines for hydrogen strategies [04:27] – https://www.standards.org.au/engagement-events/strategic-initiatives/energy-transition.
• The complex control systems used in sub-sea gas extraction and how those skills apply to offshore wind [26:15].
• Long-term energy storage like pumped hydro is the "next big thing" [41:07] – https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/generation/the-snowy-scheme/.

3. Sustainability & professional development

• The Carbon Literacy Project as a tool for individuals to understand climate impacts [18:33] – carbonliteracy.com
• Volunteer opportunities through “Beyond Zero Emissions” to conduct clean-tech research [18:06] – bze.org.au atse.org.au/imnis

4. Advice for students & early careers [31:38]

• Look at alternative study pathways before jumping to university degrees
• Engage with the professional peak bodies to build networks and stay current – engineersaustralia.org.au.
• Engage in challenges to explore your passions for renewable tech – https://www.solarchallenge.net.au.

"The future will hold jobs that don't even exist today, and STEM is a fantastic career pathway that sets you on that journey." - Rachelle Doyle

"The engineers who've really thrived are those that are actually really creative and can apply creative solutions." - Colin Sheldon

"Through the renewable energy transition, we have a real opportunity to do things differently... and really uplift First Nations people around the country." - Linden Blair

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me91ZM0r2L0