Industrial Applications and Chemistry Section
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TO RADIOISOTOPES, RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS AND RADIOANALYTICAL SERVICES
Rationale: Radioisotope products are major tools for delivering the benefits of nuclear applications in diverse fields of health care, industry, food and agriculture, biotechnology, etc. Use of radioisotopes in the form of radiopharmaceuticals and sealed sources has been well established in medicine. This sector is characterized by continuing evolution of techniques and new procedures requiring development and production of new radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Globally, the number of medical procedures involving the use of radioisotopes is growing with increasing emphasis towards radionuclide therapy, using radiopharmaceuticals labelled with particle (beta, auger electron, alpha, etc.) emitting radioisotopes for treatment of cancer.
Nuclear and radioanalytical techniques contribute in many fields, such as geological prospecting, environmental survey, biomedical investigations, forensics and archaeology.
Over the years the Agency's R&D and technical cooperation activities have significantly enhanced the capabilities of many developing Member States in the field of radioisotope production and nuclear analytical techniques. However, with growing economic development there is an increasing demand from other developing Member States for such services. Because of the rapid progress of technologies, the majority of Member States still lack trained and qualified personnel, appropriate equipment and radiopharmaceuticals production technology and they need support to develop these locally to effectively improve their health care systems and sustain their economical development. Strong national capabilities are necessary to sustain and expand the technology support to beneficial applications of radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals and accelerator based radiation sources in Member States in health care, industry and radioanalytical services for field applications including surveillance for hazardous/prescribed materials. Member States need continued assistance in the establishment of an efficient quality system in radioisotope production and the provision of nuclear and radioanalytical services. Improvement in processing methods, developing new products and enhanced quality assurance is a worldwide effort, which is well facilitated by Agency coordination. Developing Member States are increasingly seeking Agency assistance in harnessing the benefits of such technology. Research activities under this subprogramme are based on recommendations and conclusions of different research coordination, consultant, technical and international meetings, as well as consultation with SAGNA members on the overall objectives of the programme.
CRP activities are either of the applied research type with the aim to enhance the R&D capability of Member States using indigenous resources, or the adaptive research type for progress towards technology transfer to developing Member States.
Objective: To enable Member States to benefit from radioisotope products and radioanalytical applications by supporting development/adaptation of appropriate technology/strategy as well as strengthening national capability in Member States to establish the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel.