The High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) was Australia’s first nuclear research reactor, marking a significant milestone in the country’s scientific and technological advancement. Operating for nearly five decades, HIFAR played a pivotal role in the development of nuclear science applications in medicine, industry, and research before being succeeded by the Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor in 2007.
HIFAR’s construction began in February 1956 following a £935,500 contract with UK-based Head Wrightson Processes Ltd. Built at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission’s research facility at Lucas Heights, Sydney, the reactor was completed the following year. On Australia Day, 1958, HIFAR achieved first criticality, marking the beginning of a new era in Australian science. It was formally set into operation on April 18, 1958, by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, with full-scale operations commencing on October 20, 1960, after two years of reactor physics measurements.
Over its lifetime, HIFAR pioneered nuclear science applications across multiple sectors, making lasting contributions to Australia’s research and industrial capabilities. In the medical field, HIFAR enabled the large-scale production of radiopharmaceuticals, including technetium-99m, a critical isotope used in medical imaging. These advancements ensured the widespread availability of nuclear medicine across Australia, supporting thousands of diagnostic procedures each year. The reactor also provided irradiation facilities for neutron transmutation doping of high-purity silicon, an essential process in the semiconductor industry that enhanced Australia’s role in global technology supply chains. Beyond industry and medicine, HIFAR was instrumental in materials testing, neutron beam research, and experimental applications, allowing Australian scientists to expand the frontiers of nuclear research. It also served as a key training ground for nuclear engineers and scientists, ensuring that multiple generations of specialists were equipped with the knowledge and experience to support the nation’s nuclear science programs.
HIFAR’s impact extends far beyond its operational years. As Australia’s longest-serving research reactor, it laid the foundation for continued advancements in nuclear science and strengthened international collaborations through its support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The reactor also played a key role in training scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to regional scientific development and knowledge-sharing. Throughout its operation, HIFAR was upgraded to align with evolving global standards, reflecting the expertise and dedication of its staff. The reactor achieved over 47 years of safe and reliable operation, a testament to the skill and professionalism of those who maintained and operated it.
By the time of its decommissioning, HIFAR had established a lasting legacy. Many of its functions were seamlessly transitioned to OPAL, ensuring the continuity of Australia’s nuclear science capabilities. Though no longer in operation, HIFAR remains a landmark of national scientific achievement, embodying the progress and contributions of Australian nuclear research. Its legacy is preserved not only in the advancements it made possible but also in the scientists, medical professionals, and engineers it trained, a lasting testament to its significance in Australian history.
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