Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

30/08/2026

Are certain occupations with higher radiation exposure more likely to cause cancer?

This question is explored in a new study that our Health Impact Assessment Assistant Director, Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, along with a QIMR Berghofer scientist, Professor Catherine Olsen, published a commentary piece on.

A recent US study in JAMA Internal Medicine, published by the American Medical Association, found that pilots and flight attendants are more likely to experience cancer-related mortality than other occupations noting exposure to cosmic and ultraviolet radiation experienced by this workforce.

Ken and Professor Olsen say in their commentary that surveillance of this workforce is important including annual skin checks.

Go to this website to read the news story, with links to the research and Ken and Prof Olsen’s commentary: https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/pilots-flight-attendants-have-increased-cancer-related-mortality/128227

Find out more about flying and health on our website: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/flying-and-health

28/08/2026

For this Friday Forecast we are pressing rewind!

We are revisiting some research we published earlier this year which found that genetic susceptibility of skin types, sun exposure behaviours, public health measures like early diagnosis, and proximity to the equator have more of an influence on Australia’s skin cancer rates than ozone depletion.

This research reminds us how important sun protection is. All Australian locations are expected to be 3 or more on the UV-Index this weekend.

Therefore, we recommend all Australians to use a combination of sun protection measures:
👕slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
🧴slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF50+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards
👒slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears
🌳seek shade
🕶️slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

Have a great weekend!

27/08/2026

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing radiation protection in Australia and New Zealand?

ARPS 2026 will bring together radiation experts from healthcare, research, industry, government and academia to explore the trends, technologies and emerging issues shaping the future of radiation protection.

The conference will showcase the latest developments in research, regulation, technology and professional practice, while also highlighting the role of communication, engagement and environmental protection in supporting safe and effective radiation use.

ARPANSA experts will be among the presenters sharing insights and experiences across a range of radiation protection topics.

Join colleagues from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond to exchange knowledge, build professional connections and contribute to discussions on the future of radiation protection.

📅 20-24 September 2026
📍 Christchurch, New Zealand

Learn more and register:
🔗 https://arpsconference.com.au/

ARPANSA is proud to sponsor the 2026 annual conference of Australasian Radiation Protection Society - ARPS.

The ARPS Organising Committee warmly invites you to attend the 2026 Annual Conference of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society

22/08/2026

This year's National Science Week theme is 'seeds of science'. In radiological protection, many of those seeds can be traced back to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), whose recommendations have grown into the codes, guides and standards used to protect people and the environment around the world.

In September 2025, the ICRP Main Commission published the open acce...

21/08/2026

Can wearing sunscreen stop your body from getting enough vitamin D? ARPANSA's Sarah Loughran explains that most people only need a small amount of sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, and studies show sunscreen use has little impact on vitamin D production.

The seasons are turning again - all Australian locations are predicted to be 3 or above on the UV Index this weekend - so, wherever you are, make sure you Slip 🧥 Slop 🧴 Slap 👒 Seek 🌴 Slide 🕶️

See more UV facts with Sarah in this SunSmart Victoria video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu95sceQOHg

Sarah Loughran, Director Radiation Research and Advice, ARPANSA, an...

20/08/2026

What does it take to lead in a male-dominated field?

ARPANSA CEO Dr Gillian Hirth AO recently shared her experiences at the Women Unlimited Leadership Summit in Canberra, joining a program that also featured former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern in a Q&A with ABC journalist Annabel Crabb, exploring the theme: The courage to lead, differently.

Gillian spoke about her journey in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), opportunities for women in science and the nuclear sector, and the importance of creating workplaces where diverse talent can succeed.

Her top tips?
☑️ Follow your passion
☑️ Be genuine
☑️ Pay it forward and be seen

Thank you to Women Unlimited for bringing together leaders to inspire the next generation of women in leadership.

20/08/2026

As part of Science Week 2026, we were excited to host Telstra Graduate Program participants at our Yallambie site to learn more about ARPANSA's work.

Our scientists gave presentations about our role in measuring exposures from mobile phone and broadcast towers, communicating with the public, plus our work in ultraviolet (UV) monitoring, calibrating electromagnetic energy equipment, and other areas of radiation protection.

18/08/2026

A room with no echoes. Step inside our anechoic chamber

Come inside our state-of-the-art research and calibration facility

18/08/2026

This National Science Week we’re shinning a light on one of our leaders, Lynnette, who has created a unique career around her love of science as well as her passion for health, people and operational excellence.

We have all kinds of scientists at ARPANSA, from physicists and chemists to radiation specialists. The winding journey through a science career often ends in unexpected places which could not have been foreseen during a degree.

The most exciting thing about this work is honing the parts of science most precious to us and fertilising those aspects until we’ve developed a career that aligns with our passions and skills – all from the very first ‘seed of science’.

Watch the video now! 👇

17/08/2026

Do you have emergency management experience and a technical skillset?

We’re expanding our emergency management team.

We’re recruiting for:

Emergency Management Officer: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/job-details?title=emergency-management-officer&Id=a05OY00000QJM2fYAH

Assistant Director Emergency Management: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/job-details?title=assistant-director-emergency-management&Id=a05OY00000QJM7VYAX

The emergency management section ensures we can lead Australia’s response to radiological or nuclear events in alignment with national and international frameworks.

It supports this role by providing high-quality advice to decision-makers, maintaining strong relationships with Commonwealth agencies and state and territory responders, and contributing to coordinated national preparedness and response arrangements.

The section undertakes these responsibilities under the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework and leads the development of the national radiological and nuclear event plan.

Our ideal candidates have experience in the technical aspects of radiation protection and emergency management.

At ARPANSA, we are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Applications for both roles close on 27 August 2026.

Learn more about the roles at APS Jobs.