Leadership

Graeme Melville is an Australian nuclear physicist and technology developer focused on addressing one of the most critical bottlenecks in modern cancer treatment: the global shortage of Actinium-225 (Ac-225) used in Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT).

 

The photonuclear commercial production of Actinium-225 using electron linear accelerators was first proposed by Graeme Melville (2006), through a theoretical model describing bremsstrahlung-driven (γ,n) reactions on radium targets. This early work was subsequently supported by experimental studies, establishing both the scientific validity and practical feasibility of the approach. Together, these studies demonstrated that photonuclear production offers a uniquely scalable, efficient, and non-reactor-based pathway for the reliable commercial supply of Ac-225. A number of countries have taken on this research and are in the process of producing commercial supplies of Ac-225 for TAT. We need to do this in Australia otherwise we will be spending many millions of dollars importing it in the years ahead.

 

Graeme currently leads an advanced Actinium production program aimed at establishing domestic, scalable Ac-225 manufacturing capability, integrating accelerator physics, target design, and high-purity radiochemical separation. His work sits at the intersection of nuclear science, medical translation, and commercial isotope supply. He is also an international nuclear consultant.

He holds appointments as:

• Honorary Associate Professor in Nuclear Physics – University of Wollongong

• Honorary Associate Professor in Astrophysics – Macquarie University

 

Graeme has also played a leadership role in Australia’s broader physics and nuclear innovation community, having previously served as Chair of the Australian Institute of Physics (NSW) and as a member of the Nuclear Innovation Centre at UNSW.
 

Previously, he served as one of the Assistant Directors in the Australian Department of Defence, managing complex technical programs in high-consequence, highly regulated environments — experience directly relevant to nuclear and medical production industries. In 1998, Graeme formed a political party and stood as a candidate in the Federal Election (NSW Senate), leading its policy development and campaign with a platform centred on increased national investment in science and medical research.

 

Earlier in his career, he was an international professional tennis player with an ATP ranking, bringing elite performance discipline, resilience, and strategic focus to leadership and innovation.
 

Core strengths for investors include:

• First-mover IP and know-how in accelerator-based Ac-225 production

• Deep technical authority across nuclear physics and radiochemistry

• Proven ability to translate complex science into operational programs

• Leadership experience in high-regulation, high-reliability sectors

• Strategic positioning within the rapidly expanding global TAT cancer therapy market