Industrial Applications and Chemisty Section
Programme I: Physical and Chemical Applications
(Radioisotope and Radiation Tehnology)
Rationale: Radioisotope products and radiation technology continue to be extensively employed in many spheres of science and technology all over the world. Most of these applications remain among the best available and economically attractive options for sustainable development and contribute significantly towards improving the quality of life. Even as many countries increasingly utilize the well established technologies, additional fields of applications as well as improved techniques continue to evolve. There is hence a need to support new development efforts and catalyse those which are promising for large scaled employment. The programme of Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology would respond to Member State requests for supporting development as well as adaptation of appropriate technology for radioisotope products, in particular radiopharmaceuticals, radioanalytical services, industrial and environmental applications. It deals with the radioisotope products and radiation technology as well as supporting development and utilization of industrial applications. In line with this, the title of the programme has been changed from ‘Physical and Chemical Applications’ to ‘Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology’, so as to reflect better the nature of functions handled. Radiation processing, especially using electron beam treatment, is a promising tool for effective health care measures. Support to enhance safety in disposing industrial effluents/emissions and biological pollutants as well as facile synthesis/modifications of polymeric materials for biomedical applications can be of value to Member States. Radionuclide therapy (RNT) is an emerging area of considerable interest for many Member States to augment the well established role of diagnostic nuclear medicine and will be pursued. Development efforts for both new radionuclides and carrier molecules for RNT are essential. There is a need for technology support to extend the use of radiation sources and nuclear and radioanalytical techniques for specific applications, such as in forensics, archaeology, dynamic imaging, detection of landmines and security systems for border control.
The emphasis of the Agency’s work is on strengthening national capabilities and assisting national institutions to achieve self-sustainability in as many areas as possible. The main aims are to support the development of appropriate new products/techniques and transfer of know-how to developing Member States.
Objective : To contribute to improved health care, better industrial performance as well as effective quality control processes and a cleaner environment, by technology support to strengthen national capability in Member States, for producing radioisotope products and applying/adapting radiation technologies for socio-economic benefits.
