STEM Careers | Michael Went - Radiation Health Physicist

As someone with a love for both art and physics, Dr Michael Went believes there are linkages between the creativity of art and the problem-solving required in physics. In his role as Deputy Director, Radiation Hazard Management at Defence, Michael is both creative as well as analytical as he helps ensure that radiation-generating capabilities introduced into Defence can be operated safely.

A radiation health physicist with a PhD in atomic and nuclear physics from Griffith University in Brisbane, Michael was a research fellow at the ANU for six years. Keen to apply his skills to real-world problems, he was happy to take up an opportunity with Defence in 2010, being promoted into his current position in 2016.

‘I love working with people at all levels in the department and being able to use my skills to support new capabilities for the ADF,’ says Michael, adding that a highlight of this role was working with other government departments and representing Defence’s interests in the National Radioactive Waste Management Project.

‘As an expert in my field, I am keen to pass on that knowledge to others and to use it to support Defence capability,’ he says.

Proud father of 4-year-old Hannah, Michael admits that parenthood and working full time doesn’t allow much time for his interest in woodwork. He is currently exploring the art of woodturning, enjoying the process of seeing an object emerge from a piece of timber.

For Michael, the best thing about working in Defence is that it enables him to contribute to something much bigger than himself, and gives him the opportunity to work with many great people from a variety of backgrounds.