• English
  • العربية
  • 中文
  • Français
  • Русский
  • Español

You are here

Bridging Gender Gaps in Ion-Beam Accelerator Research

,
,

Diah Dwiana Lestiani (left) and Muhayatun Santoso (right) are seen preparing equipment at ANSTO’s accelerator facility, setting up for an experiment using ion beam techniques to analyze material properties. (Photo: M. Santoso/BRIN)

A new IAEA Coordinated Research Project “Facilitating Experiments with Ion-Beam Accelerators” aims to accelerate research into an essential tool in nuclear applications while promoting gender equality by providing women access to cutting-edge technology in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Ion-beam accelerators are essential tools in a wide array of nuclear applications with significant socio-economic impact, ranging from environmental monitoring and materials science to cultural heritage preservation and biomedical research.  However, access to such facilities has been limited, particularly for researchers in developing regions and for women who face additional gender-related barriers. A new Coordinated Research Project (CRP), funded by the IAEA, provides not only access to state-of-the-art accelerator facilities but also offers funding, mentorship and collaboration opportunities with leading global researchers. In a world where nuclear technology is becoming increasingly critical in solving global challenges, initiatives like this CRP are not only advancing scientific knowledge, but also ensuring that the contributions of women are recognized and valued.

Muhayatun Santoso, a researcher from Indonesia, is one of the many women who have benefited from this initiative. “The project is very helpful in overcoming various existing obstacles and limitations, in particular in facilitating collaboration with hosts that have accelerator facilities,” said Santoso.

Santoso was able to conduct her work at the Centre of Accelerator Science at ANSTO in Australia with the support of the IAEA and pursue her research on the environmental impact of industrial activities by analysing tiny particles in air quality samples from Indonesia. This research provides essential data for policymakers, helping them to shape strategies that protect public health and deliver lasting benefits to local communities.

Similarly, Wanwisa Sudprasert, a scientist from Thailand, utilized the facilities at ANSTO to study the sources of harmful air pollution in Bangkok. By identifying key sources of pollution in Bangkok, Sudprasert’s work is contributing to long-term strategies aimed at improving air quality and public health in urban centres worldwide.

“Early in my career, I encountered some gender preference issues when I began working as a radioisotope production scientist, but this CRP’s inclusive environment was crucial in overcoming these challenges,” said Sudprasert. Grateful for the support she received at the facility, she noted, “The mentorship opportunities and support systems provided by the host institution have been crucial in advancing my research.”

Encouraged by these mentoring opportunities, Sudprasert brought her graduate student, Sumittra Amphalop, to ANSTO, where she conducted research for her thesis and later received a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) scholarship from the IAEA. By nurturing young talent like Amphalop, the CRP is laying the foundation for a future where more women can excel in nuclear sciences. These mentorship opportunities signal to young women around the world that they too can aspire to lead groundbreaking research, further bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. Together, their work is not only essential for understanding and mitigating pollution but is also raising public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Sumittra Amphalop, a master’s student working with accelerators at ANSTO, under the supervision of Wanwisa Sudprasert. (Photo: W. Sudprasert/Kasetsart University)

In South America, Ana Melva Champi Farfán, a scientist from Brazil, conducted her research at the Bariloche Atomic Center in Argentina. “As a female researcher, overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field has been an important part of my journey. The support from this CRP has allowed me to advance my research and gain access to resources that were previously out of reach,” said Farfán. 

Farfán focused on studying tiny impurities that can appear when creating graphene oxides, a material known for improving the performance of devices like sensors. Her research not only enhances the quality of these materials but also allows scientists to better understand the particles, enabling them to refine the production process to make graphene safer and more reliable for technological applications. 

Nurul Fadzlin Hasbullah, a researcher from Malaysia, was able to take a significant step in her research at the National Centre for Physics in Pakistan with financial support from the IAEA. She studied how radiation affects semiconductor components used in devices like computers and smartphones-. With limited access to advanced research facilities in her home country, she found the CRP’s support to be essential. 

“The CRP has provided essential funding and connected me with accelerator facilities, expanding my research further, for which I am extremely grateful,” explained Hasbullah. With semiconductors being critical to global technological infrastructure, her work could enhance the reliability of devices that millions of people use every day, driving innovation in sectors like communication, healthcare, and electronics.

As the CRP continues to contribute to the broader goal of achieving gender equality in science and technology, the experiences of these women underscore the importance of international collaboration and continued support in ion-beam accelerator research. The impact of these efforts is far-reaching, as it encourages more women to enter and thrive in fields where they have traditionally been underrepresented. As the world increasingly relies on nuclear technology to address critical challenges, supporting programmes like the CRP is not only essential for advancing research but also for ensuring that women scientists have the opportunity to lead the way. Continued investment in such initiatives will help ensure that no scientist is left behind and that gender equality in science becomes a reality.

Stay in touch

Newsletter