Nuclear Sciences and Applications Side Events and Seibersdorf Lab Tour at the 67th IAEA General Conference

During the 67th IAEA General Conference, to be held in Vienna from 25 – 29 September 2023, the IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications will host the following five side events and organise a tour of the IAEA’s Nuclear Applications Laboratories in Seibersdorf.

IAEA Tools and Expertise in Oil-Spill Monitoring

Tuesday, 26 September 2023, from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. in ESPACE M01, M Building, first floor

This event will showcase the scientific expertise and tools of the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories that can be deployed in marine emergencies to assist Member States in monitoring and assessing post-spill contamination, including seafood safety. Forensic tools used for oil fingerprinting or the identification of microplastics will be highlighted. Case studies of assistance provided in major marine incidents will demonstrate the scientific expertise and response capacity available.

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The Battle against Childhood Cancer: Finding a Ray of Hope

Tuesday, 26 September 2023, from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in Conference Room CR2, C Building, second floor

Survival rates for childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries are between 10% and 30% as opposed to 80% in high-income countries. Other than misdiagnoses of cancer, inaccessible treatment and scarcity of specialised health professionals, malnutrition plays a pivotal role in lower survival rates. This event will describe the IAEA’s different activities to support radiation applications in Member States to address the multiple challenges associated with childhood cancer.

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Quality and Safety Matters in Modern Radiation Medicine: The Indispensable Role of Medical Physicists

Tuesday, 26 September 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. in Conference Room CR5, C Building, seventh floor

Radiation is widely applied in health care for diagnosis and treatment. Its appropriate use is fundamental to optimize clinical outcomes and cost-benefits, while minimizing risks. With their unique expertise, clinically qualified medical physicists (CQMPs) play a key role in dosimetry, quality assurance and the implementation of radiation safety standards. Despite their importance, in many countries there is a lack of awareness and recognition of their role.

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Improving the Analytical Capacities of Member State Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity

Thursday, 28 September 2023, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon in ESPACE M01, M Building, first floor

To assist Member States in improving their analytical capacity to monitor and assess environmental contamination by radioactive materials, the IAEA offers certified reference materials, training and participation in worldwide proficiency test exercises. This event will provide insights into IAEA activities in this field and highlight the ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) network and related activities.

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The Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) Network

Thursday, 28 September 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. in Conference Room M4, M Building, ground floor

Laboratories capable of generating reliable data, in a timely manner, are the cornerstone of any country’s capacity to understand and manage its water resources, and to support national water governance. Launched by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the UN 2023 Water Conference, the GloWAL Network aims to assist Member States to build capacity in water analysis. This event will explain how Member States can get involved and the benefits they can derive from membership.

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TOUR

Tour of the IAEA’s Nuclear Applications Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Thursday, 28 September 2023, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Visitors to the IAEA’s nuclear applications laboratories in Seibersdorf will be shown how the eight laboratories support Member States in the application of nuclear and nuclear-related techniques for development and environmental protection in areas such as food and agriculture, medical dosimetry, terrestrial environment and nuclear instrumentation.

Advance registration is required via email to NA-Labs@iaea.org by 12.00 noon on Tuesday, 26 September 2023, stating first and family name, affiliation, delegation and telephone number.

Confirmed participants should meet at the Information Desk at the entrance to the M Building at 8.50 a.m. on Thursday, 28 September. Buses will take visitors from the VIC to Seibersdorf and return four hours later. Due to space constraints, a maximum of 40 visitors can be accommodated.

Side events for IAEA flagship initiatives

The Department of Technical Cooperation will also be contributing to side events on three flagship IAEA initiatives.

ZODIAC—Current Status and Path Forward will be held on Monday, 25 September 2023, from 3.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. in ESPACE M01, M Building, first floor.

Three years after the launch of the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative, this event will take stock of achievements in capacity-building support to Member States and ZODIAC’s integration into global efforts to tackle zoonotic diseases. It will also look at what lies ahead in terms of efforts to strengthen the preparedness and response capabilities of Member States.

NUTEC Plastics: Progress and Prospects will be held on Tuesday, 26 September 2023, from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at ESPACE M01, M Building, ground floor.

Since its launch in May 2021, the IAEA Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) initiative has made progress in addressing plastic pollution on two fronts: at the source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling, and in the ocean, where plastic waste ends up as harmful microplastics pollution. This event will present progress to date, the initiative’s prospects, and the direction it is moving in.

Status Update on Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All will be held on Tuesday, 26 September 2023, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. in Conference Room CR7, C Building, seventh floor.

At this event, Member States will provide brief updates on their accomplishments during the initial phase of the Rays of Hope initiative. Anchor centres will also be presented. Donors will be invited to speak about the provision of support to the initiative.

EXHIBITION

Alongside other IAEA departments and specialized programmes, the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications will host an exhibition throughout the weeklong conference.

Conference attendees are invited to visit the Department’s booth in the M Building of the Vienna International Centre to pick up copies of its latest materials and publications. Throughout the week, each of the departmental divisions will take turns showcasing their work. Using the hashtag #IAEAGC, visitors are encouraged to publish photos of their visit to the exhibition on Twitter.