Published on the 23rd November 2020 by ANSTO Staff
ANSTO has appointed an accomplished physicist, innovator, and an internationally-recognised leader in industry applications of plasma-based accelerators, Dr Ceri Brenner, as the Leader of the Centre for Accelerator Science.
Dr Brenner is leaving her role as a group leader at the Central Laser Facility of the Science and Technology Facility Council in the UK to take up the position overseeing the accelerator science platform, which is home to accelerator science and engineering experts operating a suite of four ion accelerators across seventeen beamlines.
“We are absolutely thrilled with Ceri’s appointment. She is a scientist who has a powerful combination of skills in strategic leadership, innovative research, and industry engagement,” said Head of Research Infrastructure, Dr Miles Apperley.
“Her expertise in engaging with industry to deliver innovative solutions perfectly suits our strategic goal of ramping up activity in this area.
“Being a female physicist in a male-dominated profession, she is committed to engaging with and empowering the next generation of women in science and technology. Ceri is also influential on social media and a proficient science communicator,“ he said.
Dr Brenner has scientific expertise in relativistically-intense laser-plasma interactions, plasma-based particle acceleration, and the emission of bright bursts of ions, X-rays, and neutrons.
In association with the University of Bristol, she developed the idea to apply laser-driven X-rays and neutrons for nuclear waste management inspection and partnered with Sellafield Ltd to progress the R&D.
In 2017 the UK Institute of Physics awarded Dr Brenner the Clifford-Paterson medal for exceptional early career contributions to the application of physics in an industrial or commercial context.
She is passionate about accelerator technology and its impact on science, discovery, and driving industry growth.
Specifically, she is interested in the application of accelerator science in the design of next-generation healthcare technology, and in addressing grand societal challenges, such as environment and climate studies.
“I champion the application of accelerators for driving scientific progress and impactful innovation across a broad range of areas. This is what drew me to the Centre for Accelerator Science. I am passionate about research portfolios that have a clear link to societal, cultural, and economic benefit,” said Dr Brenner.
In August 2018, during her three and a half week lecture tour of Australia for the Institute of Physics, Dr Brenner spent some time at ANSTO.
Dr Brenner toured the Centre and learnt about the long history of accelerator science in Australia, current and future capabilities, and active application areas.
She recalled the visit warmly, sensed a strong community spirit at the Lucas Heights campus and an infectious enthusiasm in everyone she met there.
With experience as an ambassador for big science facilities, Dr Brenner said “I’m excited to contribute to the Australian science and innovation community and to position the Centre for Accelerator Science as a recognised and valuable national facility.”
Dr Brenner will take up the role in February 2021.
Scientist
