Abstract: The development of the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), the only active deep underground laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere, has catalysed low-background research in Australia, spanning rare-event physics searches, underground radiobiology and quantum technologies. With radon representing a significant background for many of these activities, Australia’s radon research program has grown alongside them, including the establishment of the DREAMR radon facility at the Australian National University.
This seminar will give an overview of radon research in Australia, from fundamental physics and activities at SUPL to emerging industrial applications. I will also discuss the development of Radon Zero Backgrounds, a new international network connecting laboratories and experiments to share expertise, facilities and measurements, building on established international collaborations including here at CPPM/CNRS/AMU.