He is known as the principal figure within Norwegian nuclear research after World War II.
[1] From 1942 to 1945 he was a part of the Technical Committee of the Norwegian High Command, together with scientists such as Svein Rosseland, Leif Tronstad and Helmer Dahl.
Together with Odd Dahl he was a leading force in building the nuclear reactor there.
From 1968 to 1973 he was NATO Assistant Secretary General for Scientific Affairs, appointed with ambassadorial rank.
[1] In 1981, Randers became a founding member of the World Cultural Council.