[email protected]
This month, Nuclear for Australia proudly supported the launch of three new affiliated university clubs at Flinders University, Australian National University and University of Western Australia.
The clubs were introduced during university O-Week events, where thousands of new and returning students visited stalls and had the opportunity to sign up to these university nuclear clubs.
At O-Week stalls, students spoke with volunteers and club leaders about nuclear technology, Australia’s existing nuclear capabilities, and the role nuclear energy could play in the country’s future.
At UWA, the Nuclear Club’s stall quickly became a conversation starter.
Club members handed out cola soft drink cans to students demonstrating one of nuclear energy’s most powerful facts: the amount of fuel required to power a person’s entire lifetime of electricity could fit inside a single cola can.
The simple visual sparked curiosity and helped start conversations to provide students with facts around nuclear energy.
The UWA club is being led by engineering student Nehan Cripps, who is studying a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Business Economics.
“There’s a real buzz around the new Nuclear Club and students are excited to connect with likeminded people on campus,” Mr Cripps said.
“It’s exciting to have a student-led club that will not only provide great social and networking opportunities but also have strong industry connections.”
The club will give students opportunities to attend guest lectures, industry presentations and networking events with experts working across nuclear science, engineering and policy.
At Flinders O-Week another Nuclear for Australia affiliated club was running a stall. Club Secretary, Eli was on hand to run several quizzes that educated students around nuclear energy and dispelled myths.
Founder of Nuclear for Australia Will Shackel said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by students across campuses.
“We want to build a space for the next generation to explore and embrace the opportunities associated with a growing nuclear industry in Australia” Mr Shackel said.
“Many people don’t realise that key sectors of our economy already rely on nuclear capabilities, including medicine and healthcare, agriculture, mining and scientific research.”
By supporting nuclear clubs at universities across the country, Nuclear for Australia is helping ensure that the next generation has access to accurate information, expert connections and a supportive network of peers interested in nuclear energy.
These clubs are more than just campus groups they are part of a growing grassroots movement.
If you are interested in setting up a university nuclear club, becoming a Nuclear for Australia affiliated club or joining an existing nuclear club, please reach out to us.