Five Key IAEA Publications to Watch in 2026

A leading publisher in the nuclear field, the IAEA is preparing several influential publications in 2026. Topics range from helping countries develop their first nuclear power programmes and strengthening nuclear safety to using artificial intelligence in clinical settings. 

These upcoming releases will soon join the more than 9000 scientific and technical publications already available on the IAEA website, including international safety standards, technical guides, conference papers and scientific reports. 

The IAEA’s publications span nuclear safety and security, nuclear law, energy, transport and human health and help expand the peaceful, safe and secure applications of nuclear science in the Agency’s member countries. 

Below are five of the most anticipated publications slated for release in early 2026.

Every year, around 20 million shipments of radioactive material are transported safely by road, rail, sea and air. These materials are used in medicine, industry, research, agriculture and energy production. Because radioactive material can be hazardous to people and the environment if not properly handled, its transport requires careful planning and compliance with international safety standards and security requirements. This includes correct packaging.

Each package used for the transport of radioactive material must demonstrate compliance with the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, particularly for international shipments. The new safety guide, published as part of the IAEA Safety Standards Series, will offer practical recommendations to help strengthen the safety and reliability of transport operations involving radioactive material throughout the service life of packages.

This safety guide will offer advice for meeting the requirements set out in GSR Part 2, Leadership and Management for Safety. It will be designed to support operating organizations, regulatory authorities, and other governmental bodies in applying these requirements effectively. The guidance is also relevant to a broader range of organizations that contribute to safety, including technical support organizations, technical service providers, and entities within the supply chain.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significant potential to impact science and technology, including in human health. While bringing potential benefits to healthcare, the application of AI systems also introduces new challenges and risks.

The upcoming IAEA publication on Clinical Implementation of Medical Imaging Based Artificial Intelligence Systems is part of the IAEA Human Health Series. It provides a structured guidance to clinically qualified medical physicists, health professionals who are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between complex AI algorithms and practical clinical applications. 

This publication will provide comprehensive guidance for the clinical implementation of imaging-based AI systems. It will address the entire process, from the initial assessment of needs, through selection, commissioning and quality management, to eventual decommissioning. While the primary focus of this guidance is on imaging-based AI systems, will also be applicable to non-imaging-based AI tools.

The IAEA’s Milestones Approach is an internationally accepted method to implement nuclear power programmes. In 2026, the Preparation of a Feasibility Study for New Nuclear Power Projects will outline the typical steps involved in preparing a feasibility study. This study is carried out in phase 2 of the approach, and involves defining the project framework, establishing a business case for successful implementation, and providing a sound basis for the final investment decision. It also plays an important role in building and maintaining stakeholder support. 

The feasibility study development process described is adaptable to various nuclear power project technologies, project designs, sizes, locations and industrial applications, and outlines how the specific approach will vary depending on the unique objectives and drivers of each project. The publication is part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series.

Advanced digital technologies offer opportunities to optimize operations and maintenance at nuclear power plants, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. 

This publication will explore how advanced instrumentation and control systems and digital technologies can enhance nuclear power plant performance across critical attributes, such as availability, operational flexibility, engineering efficiency and environmental sustainability. 

It will offer an up-to-date overview of proven practices, innovative approaches and lessons learned throughout the plant life cycle, from design and construction to operation and long-term management. Developed to support Member States and stakeholders of the nuclear power industry, this publication, which is part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, emphasizes methods that ensure safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness while leveraging digital technologies

Most IAEA publications issued after 2000 are available to download for free as PDFs, and since 2019, many free e-books are also available for e-readers.

The IAEA’s publications cover the breadth of the IAEA’s work, focusing on nuclear power, radiation therapy, nuclear safety and security, and nuclear law, among others.

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