The IAEA’s unique laboratories

Access to clean, sustainable water is a challenge facing many countries. The IAEA Isotope Hydrology Laboratory helps countries manage precious water resources through isotope hydrology techniques, which use naturally occurring isotopes to track water movement and quality. From mapping groundwater supplies to identifying sources of contamination, these techniques are crucial for addressing global water shortages and managing transboundary water resources to ensure sustainable access for future generations.

The threat of food insecurity is exacerbated by climate change, pests and dwindling resources. The Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory is addressing these challenges by using radiation technology to accelerate the natural evolution of plants. Since 1964, more than 3400 new plant varieties have been created with desired traits, including drought resistant wheat, salt tolerant rice, and varieties with higher yields and shorter maturation periods. These advancements help farmers cultivate crops in changing environments, boosting yields and enhancing nutrition.

At the same time, the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory focuses on optimizing the sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture. Using nuclear and isotopic techniques, the laboratory helps countries improve soil fertility and water conservation, ensuring that crops are produced efficiently while minimizing environmental impacts. From studying soil erosion to enhancing the uptake of nutrients like nitrogen, the laboratory's research provides critical support to farmers, helping them increase productivity without depleting natural resources.

Food safety remains paramount in ensuring public health and maintaining international trade. The Food Safety and Control Laboratory uses stable isotope analysis to trace food origins, helping countries meet international standards for their products. These advanced tracing techniques protect consumers and foster trust in global food supply chains. Complementarily, food irradiation — a gentle and non-invasive technology — preserves the nutritional content, flavour and overall quality of food products. This method ensures that food can be exported in compliance with international food safety requirements, reaching consumers around the globe. By replacing the use of chemicals or heat, food irradiation reduces costs and losses, thus contributing to more sustainable consumption patterns.

The work of the IAEA also extends to enhancing food safety by applying nuclear techniques to detect possible contaminants. Scientists at the Marine Environment Laboratories, for example, are helping researchers find dangerous biotoxins in marine algae that can lead to outbreaks of contaminated seafood. 

Pest control is another critical component in protecting crops. For over six decades, the Insect Pest Control Laboratory has pioneered the sterile insect technique (SIT), which uses radiation to sterilize insects and curb pest populations. From preventing fruit fly outbreaks in Latin America to controlling mosquitoes that spread disease, the SIT has revolutionized sustainable pest management, benefiting both agriculture and public health while reducing the use of pesticides.

The health of our oceans is a key concern in the face of pollution, climate change and overexploitation. The Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory monitors contaminants such as heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons, providing vital data to protect marine ecosystems.

Additionally, the Radioecology Laboratory tackles plastic pollution through the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) initiative, using nuclear techniques to trace microplastics in marine organisms and assess their long term impact on ecosystems.

The IAEA Environment Laboratories, including the Radiometrics Laboratory, further extend this effort by tracking environmental radioactivity across 90 countries. The data they collect inform policies aimed at preserving ocean health. The Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre plays a key role in addressing ocean acidification, providing countries with tools such as data on pH levels, standardized monitoring methods and modelling techniques, and enabling them to adapt to changing marine conditions.

On land, the Terrestrial Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory supports countries in monitoring pollutants, helping communities respond to environmental emergencies. Providing reference materials and proficiency tests, this laboratory ensures that laboratories around the world can accurately measure radioactivity and industrial pollution, protecting both human health and the environment.

The challenge of providing safe, effective healthcare is universal. The IAEA’s Dosimetry Laboratory strives to ensure that patients undergoing radiation therapy worldwide receive the correct doses, safeguarding their health. It also plays a crucial role in the calibration of diagnostic imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines and CT scanners, ensuring that procedures deliver accurate doses of radiation to patients. With over 5500 dosimetry audits and 3000 calibrated instruments, the laboratory supports the accurate use of radiation in hospitals, helping millions of patients receive life-saving treatments while minimizing risks.

Global health threats like antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases are on the rise. The Animal Production and Health Laboratory is tackling these threats by supporting the Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative and using nuclear and related techniques to diagnose, monitor, prevent and control zoonotic and animal diseases. Additionally, the laboratory assists countries in optimizing livestock reproduction and breeding practices, enhancing animal nutrition, and promoting sustainable animal production. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory supported over 286 laboratories in 128 countries with essential diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment, highlighting its vital role in global health preparedness.

Innovation in science and technology is key to solving the world’s biggest challenges. The Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory supports cutting-edge nuclear instrumentation and techniques, providing countries with the tools and expertise needed to monitor radiation and develop new nuclear applications. Whether through X ray spectrometry, neutron generators, or accelerator technology, this laboratory develops technology supporting global capacity in radiation monitoring, nuclear security, environmental protection, and industrial development.