Opportunities to Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry

A report launched today by the Australian Student Environment Network (ASEN), Opportunities to Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry, is highly critical of the role universities play in
supporting, legitimising, and expanding a nuclear industry in Australia.

The launch is held today to commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

The report examines the Federal Government's National Research Priorities, the involvement and influence of the uranium mining
industry in setting research agendas and curricula, and includes
profiles of academics, research initiatives and university departments.

Report co-author and ASEN Nuclear-free Universities Campaign
Co-ordinator, Holly Creenaune says, "Nuclear power is not part of a
sustainable future for Australia. Young people want renewable energy
technologies to be fully supported. We don't want to work in climate
polluting, dangerous industries. Our politicians are pushing us into
a dangerous future.

"A diverse and vibrant anti-nuclear movement saw the closure of the
sole remaining School of Nuclear Engineering at the University of NSW in the 1980s. In 2006, there were no courses in nuclear engineering offered in Australia as a result of the sustained public pressure against an industry that remains unwanted.

"The report highlights expansion and investment in nuclear research
and training at universities is a prerequisite for the Howard
Government's push to expand the nuclear industry in Australia."

ASEN National Convenor, Nicola Ison says "Australian universities have shown they are eager to exploit the enthusiasm of the Howard
Government, already looking to form an Australia-wide nuclear science and technology school. Universities interested include Australian National University, Western Australian universities, Wollongong, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland University of Technology and RMIT."

"Students oppose our universities performing the role of research and
training ground for dangerous and unsustainable industries. In the
face of dangerous climate change, Australian universities have an
important opportunity and responsibility to invest in a safe, secure,
non-polluting renewable energy sector", Ms Ison concluded.

For further information or to receive a hardcopy of the report,
please contact Holly Creenaune on holly@asen.org.au

Opportunities to Waste: Australian Universities and the Nuclear Industry http://www.asen.org.au/OpportunitiesToWaste/

About ASEN:
The Australian Student Environment Network is the national network of students active on environmental, social and cultural justice issues. ASEN is made up of the state environment networks, which are made of campus environment collectives.

ASEN was created by and continues to be organised by young activists committed to change. Students use the network to organise local campaigns, share information and resources, and embark on national campaigns such as Clean Energy on Campus and Nuclear-Free Universities.

Web: www.asen.org.au
Email: info@asen.org.au