By Natalia Ivanova, IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security

Interested participants have until September 15 to submit a synopsis to present at the IAEA International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, to be hosted at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 20 to 24 June 2022.

Radioactive sources are used extensively and increasingly around the world in medical, industrial, agricultural and research applications. “While these applications provide opportunities for social and economic development in many Member States, the effective safety and security of the involved radioactive sources is of paramount importance to protect people, society and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation,” said Head of the Control of Radiation Sources Unit at the IAEA and co-Scientific Secretary of the conference, Ronald Pacheco Jimenez. “The loss of control of a radioactive source, for example as a result of inadequate regulatory oversight, could cause serious injuries and even death.”

Focusing on past accomplishments and future endeavours, the conference will foster the exchange of experiences and anticipated developments related to establishing and maintaining a high level of safety and security of radioactive sources throughout their life cycle.

“In addition to establishing and maintaining effective safety measures, efforts to ensure the nuclear security of radioactive sources must be considered and implemented to prevent these materials from getting into the wrong hands and used for malicious purposes,” said Head of the IAEA Radioactive Material Security Unit and co-Scientific Secretary of the conference, Alessia Rodriguez y Baena.

The conference will provide a forum to look back and discuss challenges related to the safety and security of radioactive sources during the COVID 19 pandemic, share experiences in the development of governmental, legislative and regulatory frameworks for radioactive sources and associated facilities, as well as highlight best practices for coordination among relevant national authorities

The conference will also offer an opportunity for participants to look ahead and discuss the potential impact of research and technological advancements relating to future applications of nuclear sciences and technologies on the safety and security of radioactive sources.

The main themes of the conference will be:

• safety and security of radioactive sources throughout their lifecycle,
• collaboration among national stakeholders,
• regulatory control of radioactive sources,
• radiological incidents and emergencies involving radioactive sources,
• international cooperation and
• sustainability and effectiveness of national regimes, including sustainability and resilience in unplanned situations (e.g., pandemics and natural disasters),

Original contributions on the above topics, in the form of oral or poster presentations, are welcome. Those wishing to present should submit a synopsis of approximately 500 to 600 words through the conference’s web-based file submission system (IAEA-INDICO).