Sterilizing human tissue for use in surgery, tackling industrial pollution and producing high-quality biodegradable food packaging are among the innovative applications of radiation technology presented at the IAEA’s first International Conference on the Application of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST) this week.
The conference, taking place from 24-28 April at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, brings together over 500 experts, from radiation technology professionals and entrepreneurs to scientists engaged in research, as well as policy-makers and regulators, to discuss the many ways in which nuclear science can help meet global challenges.
“Radiation technology applications have had a profound impact on the way we live,” said IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano at the opening of the conference yesterday. “They range from the disinfection of cultural heritage artefacts, to developing new food packaging materials, treating sewage, inspecting oil and gas pipelines and sterilising human tissue grafts used in surgery. The IAEA is pleased to have been a partner in the growth of these technologies.”
Expert presentations at the conference will include a case study on using radiation techniques to remove fungus from a historic oil painting; converting sewage sludge into fertilizer; applying electron beams so that drinking water can be reused, and predicting the behaviour of biomaterial as bone replacement.
Read more about how radiation technology and science influence our daily lives and industries worldwide and the progress made in a number of countries with the help of the IAEA here.
In his opening address, Mr Amano highlighted the IAEA’s work to make nuclear science and technology available to developing countries as they pursue their development goals in areas such as human health, agriculture, industry, energy and natural resource management. Country case studies of IAEA technical cooperation projects will be presented during the conference.
The ICARST 2017 conference is intended to serve as a platform for fostering new initiatives among industry and academia and the ideas generated are expected to help shape future IAEA radiation technology programmes.
Throughout the week, exhibitors from around the world will showcase the latest equipment and services related to radiation science and technology.
Watch the ICARST 2017 conference live!
All sessions throughout the conference will be livestreamed. For the conference programme click here.
