December 1, 2023

Professor Anatoly Rozenfeld receives Australian Nuclear Association 2023 Award

UOW researcher recognised for excellence in medical, space, nuclear and radiation physics

Distinguished Professor Anatoly Rozenfeld received the Australian Nuclear Association (ANA) 2023 Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to nuclear science and technology in Australia during a ceremony at Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on Friday 1 December.  

The award is in recognition of Professor Rozenfeld’s research and development of semiconductor radiation dosimetry for medical, space and nuclear industry applications, and his education and training of nuclear specialists. 

Professor Rozenfeld is the Director and Founder of University of Wollongong (UOW) Centre for Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP), within the School of Physics, and is world renowned for his research work on semiconductor radiation detectors and their application for mini- and micro- dosimetry in radiation therapy, radiation protection, nuclear medicine and space sciences and its commercialisation. 

Professor Rozenfeld said he was honoured and humbled to be the recipient of a such prestigious award, particularly as ANSTO was the first place he worked voluntarily in Australia before joining UOW. 

“I remember ANSTO as my first home, where I met Prof Barry Allen and his team, and we worked together on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) research in MOATA reactor where I was able to bring new ideas on in vivo gamma and neutron dosimetry and PhD students' supervision. Suddenly it has been 30 years and I have a strong collaboration between ANSTO and the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics. The relationship has been incredibly positive and rewarding for UOW and ANSTO.” Professor Rozenfeld said. 

“The work that we are doing is particularly important as it is cancer treatment. Nuclear physics and nuclear engineering are crucial because the reality is nuclear health. 

“Sometimes the perception is that nuclear radiation is dangerous only, people associate it with Chernobyl and Fukushima, but they need to think and look at the opposite side. Without nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, radiation physics it would be impossible to treat cancer. Currently most medical imaging modalities are using external radiation beam or nuclear isotopes produced on nuclear reactors or accelerators.   

“Nuclear isotopes are widely used for metastatic cancer treatment, for example, Targeted Alpha Therapy or currently under development Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy (DaRT) and in theranostic for simultaneous diagnostic and treatment of cancer.” 

The award also recognises Professor Rozenfeld’s contribution to the production of a new generation of scientists and experts in medical radiation and nuclear physics, and nuclear engineering. 

“This is an award not only for me, but for all my team over the years. I look forward to contributing more and bring new innovations to Australia.” 

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow congratulated Professor Rozenfeld on the award. 

“The award recognises Professor Rozenfeld’s outstanding contribution and research excellence in medical, space and radiation physics.  

“Professor Rozenfeld is integral in inspiring the current and next generation of researchers to improve society through research, innovation and collaboration.” 

Professor Rozenfeld has published more than 500 peer review papers, five chapters in books, holds 19 granted patents, has attracted more than $18M competitive grants, and delivered many keynotes, invited talks and seminars around the world.  

He is a member of numerous editorial boards and international advisory committees and has also established a strong research programme on proton and heavy ion therapy in Australia.  

For his pioneering work on improvement of cancer treatment with radiation by advanced radiation monitoring Professor Rozenfeld is a recipient of the NSW Premier’s Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year 2022 award and IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Science Society 2023 Glen F Knoll Radiation Instrumentation Outstanding Achievement Award.  

About the Australian Nuclear Association Inc 

The Australian Nuclear Association Inc (ANA) is an independent incorporated scientific institution which promotes the education, knowledge and practice of the peaceful, safe and effective use of nuclear science and technology to benefit people, science and the environment.