A Nuclear Pioneer

Professor Robert Street, AO is one of the pioneers of nuclear engergy, and worked on one of the first reactors ever constructed in Harwell, Great Britain. He is an advocate of the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a way to combat greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Robert was a dear friend of my late father, and were part of group of eminent people calling themselves E4E - Energy For the Environment, promoting nuclear energy.

Not long after Dad died, I recorded this interview at his home in Perth. He is a wonderful, humble man, who represents a seminal moment in science. In this interview you'll hear him describe their approach to the reactor pile, and his attitude to the bomb.

After this recording, we dined at a local club with his wife Jean. I made a special point of asking her about her experiences during the war. I'm very glad I did, because it turns out she was stationed and the famous Bletchley Park. If you don't know that story, have a look because it is an amazing episode, crucial to the Allied victory.

I wish I had interviewed her too. Rod Taylor, recorded 28 October 2008

Postscipt Robert Street died in 2013. Here's a tribute to his life.