The Agency is holding a Scientific Forum during the forty-ninth regular session of the General Conference on the theme of Nuclear Science: Physics Helping the World. This theme has been chosen to highlight the important role of physics in the development of science and technology. The theme was also chosen to mark the celebration of the year 2005 as the International Year of Physics. The Scientific Forum will take place on 27 and 28 September 2005 in Conference Room C of the Austria Center, parallel to the formal proceedings of the IAEA General Conference.
There will be four sessions on the following topics: Meeting Energy Needs; Developing Advanced Materials and Technologies; Advancing Radiation Medicine; and Supporting Nuclear Safety.
The first session is expected to cover promises, issues, challenges and possible solutions in respect of nuclear science meeting energy needs. The second session will examine the development of advanced materials and technologies for nuclear energy. The third session will focus on the use of ionising radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and will discuss the increasing need for well-trained medical physicists in developing countries. The fourth session will focus on the global safety regime.
The scientific forum has been a regular feature and useful addition to the IAEA's annual general conference since 1996. It customarily brings together experts and decision-makers in specific fields to network with their peers, share experieinces and review latest developments. Previous fora have dealt with subjects ranging from water resources, nuclear waste, safeguards and verification, nuclear safety, technical cooperation, and the nuclear fuel cycle, among others.
This year's IAEA Scientific Forum on physics is also listed among major international events being held this year to celebrate the World Year of Physics, whose goal is to bring the excitement of physics to the general public and inspire a new generation of scientists.