Flinders Uni unveils new nuclear degrees ahead of AUKUS deal

Flinders University has announced a global academic collaboration to offer new nuclear degrees and research opportunities amid the signing of the landmark AUKUS deal. After the US, UK, and Australia released details about their plans to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines last week, Flinders signed two partnerships with Manchester University and the University of Rhode Island (URI). The deals, announced on Sunday, will build new masters and postgraduate courses specialising in nuclear education. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said 5,500 direct jobs would be created to build the SSN-AUKUS submarines in South Australia. "We've seen in the UK the massive depth and breadth of skills that are going to be required to build the most complex machines in history," Mr Malinauskas said. "There's no time to waste." As part of the deal, Flinders students would access Manchester University's widely regarded nuclear postgraduate and PhD program. Manchester University is home to the Dalton Nuclear Institute, which has the largest community of nuclear academics in the country. Launched in 2005, the Dalton Institute researches global nuclear issues through applied research and education programs. The institute won the Diamond Jubilee Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2012 for its "internationally renowned research and skills training for the nuclear industry". Flinders' collaboration with the University of Rhode Island in the United States will provide internships and research opportunities. The University of Rhode Island, which has close ties with the US Navy, is one of the only 25 universities in the country to have a nuclear reactor on site. Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling, said the new partnerships would bring the "world's best" nuclear education and research program to South Australia. "Our partnerships with international leaders in nuclear science and technology will deliver a new level of skills for South Australia's future workforce," Professor Stirling said. "Flinders is ready to deliver." Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, who leads the University of Manchester, welcomed the partnership with Flinders. "The Dalton Nuclear Institute is the umbrella organisation for nuclear activity at The University of Manchester, spanning three faculties to coordinate the most advanced civil nuclear research capability in UK academia," Professor Rothwell said. The new nuclear courses at Flinders University are due to start later this year.