The High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) was Australia’s first nuclear research reactor, operating from 1958 to 2007 at the Lucas Heights facility in Sydney. It played a critical role in advancing nuclear science, medicine, and industry, producing vital radioisotopes and training generations of scientists and engineers.
Commissioned in 1958, HIFAR was initially constructed for research and isotope production, later expanding its role in neutron and gamma-based industrial applications. Over its 47 years of operation, the reactor became an integral part of Australia’s nuclear capabilities, contributing to medical advancements, semiconductor technology, and industrial innovation.
This collection captures the legacy of HIFAR, preserving the architectural and scientific significance of one of Australia’s most important research facilities. From its early days as a pioneering reactor to its final years before decommissioning, these images offer a rare glimpse into a facility that shaped the country’s technological progress.
Own a piece of scientific history. Explore the collection below.
