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Cutting-Edge Radiation Innovation at ICARST 2025

22 April 2025
The <a href="https://www.iaea.org/events/icarst-2025">International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST)</a> returned this year in Vienna, serving as the meeting point for scientists, technologists, academia, policy makers and industry representatives to find solutions to global challenges using radiation. #ICARST2025 welcomed around 1000 experts from across the globe. This four-legged robot was one of the most head-turning exhibits at #ICARST2025. The robot can help experts map and monitor areas that have been contaminated by high levels of radiation. It can go into places that might be too difficult for people to access, making the work more efficient and safer while reducing the risk of exposure. Water, soil and vegetation samples, as well as the tools used to collect and process them, were displayed at the IAEA’s exhibition on radiation applications for industry and the environment. <br /><br /> Participants learned from IAEA experts how radiation technologies help tackle global challenges such as pollution and waste and the adverse effects of climate change, as well as helping protect nature and biodiversity. ICARST participants explored non-destructive testing (NDT) tools, including handheld analyzers, rebound hammers and concrete scanners. Especially crucial after disasters like earthquakes, these technologies employ techniques — such as the use of gamma rays or X rays — to inspect the integrity of materials and structures without dismantling or destroying them. This sleek, metallic cylinder with its series of repeating bulges is a radio frequency cavity, a crucial component in particle accelerators. <br /><br /> Particle accelerators produce and accelerate beams of charged particles, like electrons, protons and ions. Their wide uses include scientific research, sterilizing medical equipment, detecting trace elements in air, water, or soil, and much more. These tiles and coasters are made in the Philippines from recycled plastics that have been irradiated to enhance their molecular properties and quality, under the IAEA’s <a href="https://www.iaea.org/services/key-programmes/nutec-plastics">NUTEC Plastic Initiative</a>. <br /><br /> Upcycling plastics using ionizing radiation complements conventional recycling methods by producing materials with improved properties at lower costs, offering a valuable tool to help beat plastic pollution. In the future, these upcycled plastics could be used to build stronger and more affordable housing and infrastructure, all the while reducing our plastic waste footprint.Using a multispectral camera, an expert demonstrates how to inspect nuclear fuel pellets for physical defects such as chips, cracks and other irregularities. <br /><br /> This multispectral imaging system could be a low-cost alternative to conventional imaging systems used for production line testing. Radiation isn’t just for industrial or nuclear facility applications — it’s also used to enhance the quality of medical and cosmetic products. Ionizing radiation can sterilize ingredients, increase shelf life and modify materials to improve effectiveness. These easy to transport equipment measure levels of radon and thoron — radioactive gases that can pose health risks. Radon, in particular, is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can be harmful when inhaled indoors at moderate to high concentrations. This portable X ray camera promises high resolution images with minimal radiation exposure. Radiation devices like this can improve healthcare in rural areas, enabling the early detection and treatment of preventable and curable diseases like tuberculosis. ICARST also featured exhibitions showcasing innovations in recycling disused radioactive sources, transporting radioactive materials, managing radioactive waste, studying and preserving cultural heritage, and other advances in radiation science and technology. A catalogue of IAEA resources on radiation science and technology — featuring reports, series, technical documents, and training courses was available to attendees. Topics include the industrial applications of sealed radioactive sources, guidance for establishing ionizing radiation facilities, the use of electron beams and X rays for food irradiation, and more. <br /><br /> These publications can be found <a href="http://www.iaea.org/publications">here</a>.

The latest innovations in radiation applications across diverse sectors, from healthcare and environmental protection to safety and industry, were exhibited at the International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST 2025). More on the conference here. 

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Last update: 22 April 2025

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