The outstanding contribution of individuals and teams was recognised in the 2026 ANSTO Awards, which spotlights the achievements of staff who excel in diverse areas of the organisation.
“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of people who distinguish themselves because of excellence, commitment, and ingenuity,” said CEO Shaun Jenkinson.
“It is people and their expertise who are the foundation upon which ANSTO thrives.”
Sustained Contribution Award
Ms Jennifer Harrison, General Manager Nuclear Stewardship, is the recipient of the CEO Award for Sustained Contribution to ANSTO, recognising more than 25 years of exceptional leadership, technical excellence and service to nuclear science.
Throughout her career at ANSTO, Ms Harrison has made an outstanding contribution to environmental radioactivity, radiological measurement science and nuclear stewardship. Her expertise, trusted leadership and commitment to collaboration have strengthened ANSTO’s capability, supported the broader scientific community and advanced important national and international research programs.
Her achievements and international standing are further reflected in her appointment to lead the Radiometrics Laboratory at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco from February 2027. This prestigious three-year appointment will see her advance global collaboration and environmental research using nuclear and isotopic techniques, while strengthening ANSTO’s longstanding relationship with the IAEA.
Leadership in Research Award
The Leadership in Research Award has been presented to Dr Mitra Safavi Naeini, an exceptional scholar, bold and original scientist, and inspiring research leader, who is Director of the Health Research and Technology Group. She has pioneered a new approach to cancer therapy while providing outstanding leadership as Acting Leader of the Centre for Accelerator Science, skilfully managing complex scientific, operational and organisational priorities.
As Acting Science Group Lead, Dr Safavi Naeini brought together a multidisciplinary team and aligned scientific priorities and capability development with ANSTO’s strategy and emerging national needs.
She has also been the driving force behind Neutron Capture Enhanced Particle Therapy (NCEPT), taking it from an original research concept to the clinical trial stage.
NCEPT is now a major international program spanning clinical, research and industry partners across seven countries, attracting more than $4 million in cash funding and $1 million in in-kind support, including a $1.8 million Medical Research Future Fund award. This remarkable achievement reflects her ability to translate complex science into meaningful clinical, commercial and operational outcomes.
Through her leadership across fundamental and translational research, major research infrastructure, regulation, operations and external partnerships, Dr Safavi Naeini has strengthened ANSTO’s scientific capability and empowered others to succeed.
Distinguished Achievement
Across an extraordinary 40-year career, Dr Timothy Payne has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to ANSTO’s environmental science, radiochemistry and nuclear stewardship capabilities. His early achievements included influential research into the movement of uranium at the Koongarra uranium deposit and leadership of ANSTO’s Environmental Management Action Plan. The work culminated in ISO 14001 certification, an essential requirement for OPAL’s operating licence.
Dr Payne went on to transform the Little Forest Legacy Site into a field laboratory for understanding potential movement of radionuclides. This pioneering decade-long research program strengthened ANSTO’s capabilities in sovereign measurement, informed regulatory oversight and operational management, and contributed to the installation of an engineered protective cap in 2024, an outstanding example of rigorous science delivering practical and beneficial environmental and operational outcomes.
With approximately 200 publications and more than 5,300 citations, Dr Payne’s expertise is recognised nationally and internationally. He has also inspired and developed the next generation of environmental scientists, chemists and radiochemists, leaving ANSTO with stronger capabilities, trusted partnerships and an enduring scientific legacy.
Excellence in Research Award
Dr Qinfen Gu has been selected for the Excellence in Research Award because of his extraordinary record of scientific achievement at the Australian Synchrotron and ANSTO since 2008.
As leader of the Powder Diffraction Beamline team, Dr Gu has built an exceptional portfolio in energy materials research, contributing to more than 350 scientific publications and earning international recognition for his application of synchrotron techniques to emerging energy technologies.
His drive, technical excellence and collaborative leadership have created new research partnerships, strengthened existing collaborations and advanced ANSTO’s global scientific reputation.
Dr Gu’s generous supervision and mentoring of research students and early career researchers further extend his impact, helping develop the next generation of scientific talent.
Partnerships and Collaborations with Impact Award
The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Working Group and ANSTO’s Preparedness Response and Collaboration Team have received the Partnerships and Collaborations with Impact Award for their outstanding contribution to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program and ANSTO’s expanding role in this nationally significant initiative.
Through trusted partnerships with the Australian Submarine Agency, the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, Defence, and state and territory organisations, the teams have delivered expert advice and practical support across radiation protection, nuclear safety, emergency preparedness and response, environmental monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.
Their achievements include sustaining ANSTO’s support for nuclear-powered warship visits while building the capability needed for increased activity and the future submarine program. By developing new doctrine, expanding training and exercises, investing in specialised equipment, and growing a highly skilled workforce, they have strengthened national nuclear preparedness and improved coordination across agencies.
This award proudly marks the teams’ exceptional collaboration, technical excellence and commitment to delivering outcomes of national importance, while reinforcing ANSTO’s reputation as a trusted source of nuclear expertise.
Leadership Excellence Award
Michael Corry has been awarded the Leadership Excellence Award, celebrated for the purpose, energy and genuine respect he brings to leading the Operations team within the Environment Research and Technology Group. His leadership is grounded in a clear belief that people do their best work when they feel trusted, valued and connected to a shared purpose.
By taking the time to understand the work, capabilities and individual strengths of the team, Michael has created an environment where people feel heard, represented and empowered to succeed. He brings clarity to complex challenges, encourages open collaboration and supports his team to grow in confidence and capability. His thoughtful approach has strengthened trust, improved the way the group works together and inspired a shared commitment to delivering at the highest standard.
With a deep appreciation of the team’s expertise, Michael is positioning Operations for success. Under his leadership, the group is strengthening its support for world-class research, building trusted stakeholder relationships and finding new ways to contribute to ANSTO’s mission. His ability to unite people around clear goals and unlock their potential is creating lasting value for the team and the organisation.
This award acknowledges Michael’s inspiring leadership, his commitment to excellence and the positive, enduring impact he continues to make across his group and ANSTO. He is a leader who brings out the best in others and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.
Outstanding Outreach Award
The Outstanding Outreach Award went to Team Osaka, who brought ANSTO’s science to an international audience at the Australian Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo 2025. Selected from a highly competitive field, the team secured $50,000 in government funding to deliver a dynamic science show and VIP panel event showcasing how science can improve our world.
Drawing on expertise from across ANSTO, the team created an engaging, culturally tailored program for Japanese audiences, including a custom science show and a panel discussion on food provenance aligned with the Expo theme. Their creativity, professionalism and outstanding collaboration brought ANSTO’s values of Working Together, Curiosity and Excellence to life, strengthening its international profile and earning recognition from Australian and Japanese representatives.
This project received positive recognition from the Australian Government and
George Collins Award for Innovation
Ben Bigrigg has been recognised for his exceptional leadership in delivering the control, automation and instrumentation systems at the heart of the ANSTO Synroc Molybdenum Waste Processing Facility project, a pivotal contribution to this first-of-a-kind initiative.
As the Instrumentation and Control technical authority, Ben brought complex ideas to life by creating an integrated automation platform for Synroc process systems. His work has transformed demanding technical requirements into practical plant solutions that will enable safe commissioning, reliable operations and regulatory readiness.
Through his innovative approach to automation, safety and operator-support systems, Ben has reduced operational complexity, strengthened ANSTO’s advanced industrial automation capability and created enduring value.
Early to Mid-Career Award
Dr Stefania Peracci received the Early to Mid-Career Award in a highly competitive category, with every nominee demonstrating impressive innovation, technical excellence and great potential to make an enduring contribution to ANSTO.
Dr Peracci received the award in recognition of her exceptional achievements as an internationally recognised nuclear physicist and space-radiation researcher.
Just five years after completing her PhD, she is already leading innovative irradiation research, developing new methods and helping build Australia’s sovereign radiation-testing capability. Her work is strengthening ANSTO’s expertise and profile through major national and international collaborations, a strong publication record and valuable contributions to the future of space and radiation science.
Dr Peracci also generously supports emerging researchers, demonstrating the leadership, curiosity and commitment that make her a truly deserving recipient and an exciting talent to celebrate.
Diversity and Inclusion Outstanding Contribution Award
Dr Ashish Sethi was chosen to receive the Diversity and Inclusion Outstanding Contribution Award for his inspiring commitment to creating a workplace where every person feels welcomed, valued and empowered to thrive.
This recognition follows another outstanding achievement, when Ashish received the Allyship and Equity Award at the Women of Colour in STEM Awards 2026, further acknowledging his dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and creating opportunities for others to prosper.
As voluntary Chair of the Australian Synchrotron Diversity Committee and a member of ANSTO’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Working Group, Ashish has turned advocacy into meaningful action. His leadership has strengthened belonging, psychological safety and connection through initiatives including more inclusive workplace amenities, gender-neutral signage, the Period Positivity Initiative and the re-establishment of the Australian Synchrotron Women’s Network.
Ashish has made a meaningful and lasting impact on ANSTO’s people and culture because of his warmth, advocacy and generous support of others. He is helping build the inclusive environment and diverse capability our people, science and ideas need to flourish, enabling ANSTO to deliver lasting benefits for diversity in Australia.
2025 ANSTO Awards – Winners by Category
- CEO Award for Sustained Contribution to ANSTO
Jennifer Harrison, General Manager, Nuclear Stewardship
- Distinguished Achievement Award
Dr Timothy Payne, Research Leader Nuclear Stewardship
- Leadership in Research Award
Dr Mitra Safavi Naeini, Director, Health Research and Technology Group
- Leadership Excellence Award
Michael Corry, Manager, Science Operations, Environment Research and Technology Group
- Outstanding Contribution Award
David Carr, Senior Materials Engineer, OPAL
- Excellence in Research Award
Dr Qinfen Gu, Leader Powder Diffraction Team, Australian Synchrotron
- Inspiring Women’s Award
Susan Bogle, Senior Science Communications Manager
Alexandra Boyd, Radioecologist, Environment Research and Technology Group
- George Collins Award for Innovation
Ben Bigrigg, Project Engineer, Synroc Molybdenum Waste Processing Facility Project
- Early to Mid-Career Award
Dr Stefania Peracci, Irradiations Team Lead, Centre for Accelerator Science
- Safe. Secure. Sustainable Award
David Carr, Senior Materials Engineer, OPAL
- Outstanding Internal Collaboration – Individual
Linda Springett, Commercial Operations and IP Officer
- Outstanding Internal Collaboration – Team
Australian Safeguards Research and Development Program (ASRDP)
- Partnerships and Collaborations with Impact Award
Preparedness Response and Collaboration (PRC) and Nuclear-Powered Submarine Working Group (NPSWG)
- Outstanding Outreach Award
Team Osaka
Susan Bogle, Senior Science Communications Manager
Leah Mitchell
Dr Debashish Mazumder
Bridget Murphy
Sarah Tyler
- Outstanding Achievement Award
Jenny Hall
- Diversity and Inclusion Outstanding Contribution Award
Dr Ashish Sethi, Chair of the Australian Synchrotron Diversity Committee and a member of ANSTO’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Working Group
- Customer Service Excellence Award
Talent Acquisition Team
