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Conference on Radiation Applications: From Planes and Plastics to Climate Change and Culture

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Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, delivers his opening remarks at the Third International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST). (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

Experts in the use of radiation technologies are gathering in Vienna to discuss innovative applications in aeronautics, recycling, climate monitoring and more.

Have you ever wondered how the wings of an aeroplane are checked to ensure they are safe, without taking them apart? Why medical products undergo irradiation? Or how radiation can help turn plastic waste into new, high value products like floor tiles?

Advancements in exciting topics like these will be highlighted at the IAEA’s Third International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (#ICARST2025), which started in Vienna today.

“Radiation technology improves lives every day—from safer food and medical tools to cleaner environments,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, who opened the event.

"It sterilizes half of all medical equipment, protects food from parasites and spoilage, and can even help beat plastic pollution," he added. "Yet, in many places, access to these tools is still limited. To change that, we must tackle barriers in infrastructure, awareness, and financing—so no country is left out."

Radiation Science

Building on the momentum of two previous conferences in 2017 and 2022, ICARST-2025 will continue to serve as a key platform for around 1000 experts, policymakers and industry leaders attending the event. It will showcase how radiation science supports advances that drive the production of high-performance materials, enhance environmental sustainability and optimize industrial operations.

With an increased focus on sustainable innovations, discussions will address the current state of radiation technology programmes in academia and industry, explore new research frontiers and discuss the benefits of  radiation-based solutions for socioeconomic development. It will focus in particular on the  food, health, water and industry, innovation, and infrastructure sectors, taking into account responsible consumption and production and climate action.

A key feature will be radiation-based techniques for medical applications, including sterilization processes and tissue banking. The role of these techniques in food safety will also be explored.

Around a thousand experts, policymakers and industry leaders will attend ICARST in 2025. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

 ICARST-2025 will feature plenary presentations, panel discussions and poster sessions covering a wide range of topics, including:

  • advances in radiation chemistry, science, and technology
  • radiation-modified materials for industrial applications
  • non-destructive testing applications, including ai-driven neutron and muon radiography
  • dosimetry, standards, and quality management of irradiation facilities
  • environmental applications, such as radiation sciences for remediation and post-disaster management
  • emerging radiation sources, including next-generation gamma rays, electron beams, and x ray technologies

Moreover, experts will present innovations in radiotracers, sealed sources and nucleonic control systems used for industrial process control and optimization.

Beyond technical discussions, ICARST-2025 will also explore education, training and certification in radiation science and technology, ensuring that the next generation of experts is well-equipped to drive innovation in the field. Several side events and networking opportunities will further support knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The conference proceedings, including recorded sessions and key takeaways, will be made available to participants and the broader scientific community. For those unable to attend in person and for anyone interested, the conference is being livestreamed here.

The IAEA helps countries maximize the benefits of radiation science and technology through technical cooperation, expert guidance and training programmes. The Agency also fosters knowledge transfer through initiatives such as Collaborating Centres and Coordinated Research Activities, while providing peer reviews, safety standards and technical documents. These efforts help countries integrate radiation science and technology in their national plans to address critical challenges in health, industry and environmental sustainability.

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