Category: IAEA

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Update 338 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was reconnected to its last remaining backup power line on Monday after successful repairs were completed under a temporary ceasefire negotiated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The backup 330-kilovolt (kV) line was damaged and has been disconnected since 2 January, reportedly because of military activity. Since then, ZNPP relied on its last remaining 750-kV main power line to provide the off-site power needed to operate safety systems to cool the ZNPP’s six shutdown reactors and spent fuel pools.

After the repair site was cleared of any unexploded ordinance on Saturday, a specially deployed IAEA team monitored the repairs conducted on the frontline by Ukrainian technicians on Sunday and Monday. 

“The IAEA continues to play a vital role to maintain nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP. This was the fourth temporary ceasefire agreement that we have negotiated between both sides, for five separate repairs of power lines connected to the ZNPP,” Director General Grossi said. “Now that the site has regained connection to both off-site power lines, I once again call on both sides to abide by the Five Concrete Principles to avoid a nuclear accident at the ZNPP by making all efforts to avoid any future damage to these lines.”

The team continues to monitor nuclear safety and security at the site, especially in consideration of winter conditions. Under normal operations, residual heat from the operating reactor units keeps the water temperature in the cooling pond and sprinkler ponds warm. With the reactors shut down, less heat is generated, potentially increasing the risk of the water freezing.

During a walkdown on Sunday, the IAEA team observed large ice formations on fountain pipes in some sprinkler ponds. A follow‑up walkdown today confirmed that the ice formations were no longer present. The team also confirmed that all 11 groundwater wells remain operational and continue supplying water to the sprinkler ponds, despite the sub-zero conditions. The IAEA team will continue to monitor this issue.

The IAEA team also conducted walkdowns of the Unit 4 reactor building and its safety system rooms, the turbine halls of Units 3 and 4—where the team could not gain access to the western part of the building—and the Unit 6 electrical, instrumentation and control rooms. They also observed routine testing of an emergency diesel generator (EDG) of Unit 3.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, IAEA teams reported military activities in proximity of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Last Friday, one drone was reported approximately 10 kilometres (km) from the South Ukraine NPP. On Tuesday morning, three drones were reported about 5 km from the Chornobyl NPP site, and military activities on Tuesday damaged a critical substation, resulting in the disconnection of power lines to the Chornobyl NPP site and one of the operating NPPs.

At the Chornobyl NPP, one 750-kV power line and two 330-kV lines were lost on Tuesday morning. Though the site received power from other off‑site power lines, the EDGs for the New Safe Confinement operated three times during the day, and the EDGs for the Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility‑2 operated once during the day either as a result of the line disconnection or due to power fluctuations. A 110-kV line was also disconnected on Tuesday and again on Wednesday.

An IAEA mission will deploy on Monday to assess the condition of Ukraine’s critical substations and their implications for nuclear safety at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. “These critical substations are essential for ensuring reliable off‑site power, a key requirement under Pillar 4 of the Seven Indispensable Pillars of nuclear safety,” Director General Grossi said. “Any damage to this infrastructure undermines nuclear safety and must be avoided.”

This week, IAEA teams at the Chornobyl NPP site and the Rivne NPP safely rotated. 

The Agency continued with deliveries under the comprehensive programme of assistance to help Ukraine maintain nuclear safety and security amid the on-going conflict. This week, five electric all-terrain vehicles were delivered to the State Specialized Enterprise “Association Radon” to support the needs of its physical protection department. Within the scope of the medical programme, the medical unit of the Chornobyl NPP received medications for the needs of their staff.

The deliveries, which brought the total number of shipments to Ukraine to 198 and totalling €21.9 million worth of equipment since the start of the conflict, were made possible with funds from the United Kingdom and the European Union.

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COMPASS in 2025: Cameroon and Ghana Strengthen their Safeguards Regulatory Frameworks

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Also in February, Ghana participated in the Joint Review of Nuclear Law and Safeguards-Related Regulations, held at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria. With support from the United States Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA’s) International Nuclear Safeguards Engagement Program, IAEA experts met with the Ghanian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), the Ghanian Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Office of the Attorney General of Ghana, and undertook a detailed review of three documents: the NRA Act, draft safeguards regulations and draft safeguards guidance. Together, these documents shape the country’s national legal and regulatory framework for safeguards implementation. 

“This workshop came at a timely moment for us”, said Emmanuel Ampomah-Amoako, Director of Nuclear Installations, NRA. “We are finalizing three legal documents, and the insights from IAEA experts helped us understand how to best implement the amendments in a way that aligns with our international safeguards obligations. Thanks to this joint effort, we now have the clarity and confidence needed to move forward with the approval process.”

These efforts were further highlighted at a side event during the 69th IAEA General Conference in September. Stakeholders from Cameroon, Ghana and the United States of America provided testimonials on the value of peer-to-peer support in strengthening recipient States’ legal and regulatory frameworks. During the side event, Director General Grossi emphasized the importance of continuing this initiative to provide COMPASS States with tailored support designed to help them meet their safeguards obligations. 

“The performance of a country’s SSAC and SRA are key factors in facilitating the work of IAEA safeguards inspectors”, said Igor Tsvetkov, an operations Section Head within the IAEA Department of Safeguards. “By applying the tools and advice that the IAEA and partner States provide recipients through COMPASS, we can ensure effective and efficient safeguards implementation together.”

After a successful pilot phase, the IAEA is currently finalizing the First cycle of COMPASS (2024 – 2026) with four countries: Bangladesh, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Cameroon and Ghana. Find out more about COMPASS here.

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IAEA and FAO Complete Assessment to Boost Food Security in Benin

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

At the end of the mission, the team debriefed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui and provided recommendations on applying nuclear science to increase food security. (Photo: V. Owino/IAEA).

An Atoms4Food mission has reviewed Benin’s agrifood production systems and identified opportunities to expand the use of nuclear science and technology to increase food security and nutrition.

Experts from the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) assessed the production of maize and rice – Benin’s two main staple crops – alongside soil and water management, animal health and husbandry, fisheries, food safety monitoring and public health nutrition. They met with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and visited food production facilities and institutions and laboratories working in agriculture, soil science and food safety.

The team found several ways that nuclear science and technology could add value to agrifood systems in Benin, including by increasing crop and livestock productivity. 

Launched in 2023, the Atoms4Food initiative builds on six decades of partnership between the FAO and the IAEA in applying nuclear science and technology to tackle hunger and boost food security. To date, 38 countries have requested support through the initiative. Concluded at the end of 2025, the mission key findings are that:

Agriculture is a Key Driver of Development

Agriculture provides livelihoods for nearly 70 percent of Benin’s population and remains the backbone of the national economy. Despite steady economic growth, Benin faces persistent food security challenges, particularly in rural areas where smallholder farmers are vulnerable to weather variability.

The Government has prioritized modernizing and strengthening the resilience of the sector in its national development strategy.

Livestock productivity is hindered by low-performing breeds and poor feed and water management, while animal diseases such as trypanosomiasis reduce meat and milk output.  Food safety control is limited, with analytical capacity to monitor food products centralized in Cotonou, in the extreme south of the country.

“The Atoms4Food initiative is perfectly aligned with Benin’s strategic priorities: ensuring food security and boosting the productivity of our agricultural sector,” said Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui, Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. “The partnership and expertise of the IAEA are crucial and will enable us to consolidate our capabilities to provide producers with reliable solutions, increase yields and minimise post-harvest losses.”

Innovation through Nuclear Technology

The assessment identified areas where nuclear science could make a measurable impact.

Plant mutation breeding using irradiation could speed up development of high yield maize and rice varieties to 3–5 years. This technique has been used for decades by countries around the world to improve crops.

Nitrogen-15 isotope tracing could help farmers optimize fertilizer application, improving efficiency by 40%, while radioanalytical techniques could enhance national capacity to detect and monitor contaminants and residues.

Food irradiation can also reduce post-harvest and packaged product infestations, extending product shelf-life and quality.

“Nuclear and isotopic techniques offer precise, innovative and unique solutions to some of the most persistent challenges,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. “These tools can be tailored to Benin’s priorities.”

During the assessment mission, IAEA and FAO experts reviewed food systems in Benin, including maize and rice crop production. (Photo: N. Schloegl/IAEA)

Building on Current Expertise

The team reviewed opportunities to scale up ongoing support from the IAEA and the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and highlighted the need to reinforce the capacities of the country’s research and regulatory institutions, including laboratory upgrades in the country.  

Through technical cooperation, Benin has introduced artificial insemination in cattle and uses nuclear-derived RT-PCR to rapidly detect diseases and pathogens such as peste des petit ruminants (PPR) and salmonella.  

With IAEA support, the University of Abomey-Calavi has developed capacity to apply isotopic techniques to evaluate breastfeeding practices and assess iron absorption from food. The team recommended strengthening capabilities to generate additional nutrition data for national initiatives.

“The IAEA remains a committed partner to help Benin leverage nuclear science to strengthen food security and drive human and economic development,” said Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Technical Cooperation Department.

Isotopic analysis can help Benin’s authorities track the origin and pathways of chemical pollutants, enhancing the safety of aquaculture products for export and domestic markets. (Photo: R. Bou Khozam/IAEA)

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IAEA Supports Nuclear Security Measures at Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Nuclear security training held at the at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be held today. (Photo: Morocco Ministry of Interior)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided support to Morocco in implementing nuclear security measures for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, which concludes today in the capital Rabat after nearly a month of matches across the country. 

The scale of the AFCON tournament, held from 21 December to 18 January, required enhanced security measures to protect the hundreds of thousands of spectators in attendance. Morocco requested the IAEA’s support to help ensure that nuclear and other radioactive material could not be used to target the event, including through a review and strengthening of existing security arrangements. 

Large gatherings of people present unique security challenges, particularly in preventing the misuse of nuclear and other radioactive material. Since 2004 the IAEA has supported 49 countries to enhance nuclear security at 88 major public events, providing specialized training, technical guidance and equipment. 

In preparation for this year’s event, the Agency first conducted an expert mission to Rabat in June to review Morocco’s nuclear security arrangements. This was followed up by training on equipment operation, testing and maintenance for Moroccan officials provided at the IAEA Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre, the world’s first international training centre dedicated to enhancing global nuclear security.

This work reflects a broader effort by the IAEA to help countries hosting large-scale sporting events strengthen their nuclear security. The Agency is currently supporting Mexico as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Canada and the United States this summer, ensuring robust nuclear security measures are in place for one of the world’s largest sporting events. 

The Agency’s expertise is not limited to football. In 2025, for the first time, the Agency provided its nuclear security expertise to a Formula 1 Grand Prix, supporting Azerbaijan in protecting race participants and spectators against any potential threats involving nuclear and other radioactive material at the Baku event. 

“The IAEA is committed to helping countries to stay vigilant and implement nuclear security measures during popular events,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “Our collaboration with Morocco builds on years of experience supporting African nations in hosting AFCON in a secure environment for football teams and fans.”

To further strengthen Morocco’s capabilities, the IAEA also loaned radiation detection equipment for use at the AFCON matches and during exercises conducted by Moroccan authorities in October in Rabat and Marrakech, where nuclear security scenarios were planned with IAEA participation.

“The IAEA’s technical support during this competition helped strengthen our national nuclear safety and security capabilities and contributed to the sporting event taking place in a safe environment for fans, teams, and all participants,” said Bouchaib Fikri, the national focal point responsible for coordinating IAEA-Morocco assistance during 2025 AFCON. “This cooperation illustrates Morocco’s commitment to nuclear security.” 

These measures are part of the IAEA’s broader mandate to help countries prevent, detect and respond to nuclear security threats, ensuring that the public remains safe.

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Update 337 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The IAEA today secured the agreement of both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to implement a localized ceasefire enabling repairs to begin on the last remaining backup power line to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), IAEA Director General Rafeal Mariano Grossi confirmed.

Technicians from Ukraine’s electrical grid operator are expected to begin repair work on the 330 kV line – damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on 2 January – in the coming days. The disconnection has left Europe’s largest NPP dependent on its sole functioning 750 kV main power line.

An IAEA team has departed Vienna to travel to the frontline in order to observe the repair works.

“The IAEA continues to work closely with both sides to ensure nuclear safety at the ZNPP and to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. This temporary ceasefire, the fourth we have negotiated, demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play”, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The IAEA team based at the ZNPP this week assessed the actions taken by the plant to ensure nuclear safety during adverse weather conditions. During walkdowns, the team confirmed that winter protection measures are in place to prevent freezing of water in the groundwater wells, which supply cooling water for safety systems that cool the reactors and spent fuel pools. The ZNPP informed the team that the pumps operating in the unit pumping stations of the six shutdown reactors, would continue to work even if ice was to form on the surface of the inlet channel, and that currently no ice had been observed in that area.  

Additional efforts against the freezing temperatures include temperature controls for local heating to ensure that the emergency diesel generators are ready to start and operate properly in case of another loss of off-site power event. The team continues to monitor the measures taken.

At Ukraine’s Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) site, one power line was disconnected in the past week after military activity damaged an electrical substation critical to its power supply, a development that once again underscores the importance of reliable electrical grid infrastructure for nuclear safety, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Following damage to the substation, the Chornobyl NPP site continued to receive off-site power from other lines, with the disruption illustrating the essential role substations play in ensuring the continuous supply of electricity required to operate key safety systems.

The disconnection was one of several incidents this week in which military activity affected nuclear safety at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. Last weekend, one of Ukraine’s three operating NPPs was also forced to temporarily reduce its power output after reported damage to the electrical infrastructure.

“A deterioration of Ukraine’s power grid from persistent military activity has direct implications on the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities,” said Director General Grossi. “The IAEA will, as a priority, continue to assess the functionality of these critical substations.”

Director General Grossi announced last week that the IAEA is preparing another expert mission to Ukraine’s electrical substations amid ongoing strikes on the country’s power infrastructure. These substations are essential for supplying electricity needed for reactor cooling systems and other key nuclear safety functions. The mission will assess 10 substations critical to nuclear safety, following up on some of those visited in December 2025 and examining additional sites not previously assessed.

IAEA teams reported military activities or air raid alarms at all five nuclear sites in Ukraine over the past week. The teams at the Chornobyl site and at the Khmelnitsky NPP were informed that military objects flying within five kilometers of the sites had been observed on 11 and 15 January, respectively.  At ZNPP, the team continues to hear a large number of explosions, including some within the vicinity of the site. The team at the South Ukraine NPP has reported multiple air raid alarms each day over the past week and were informed that a military flying object had been observed approximately 10km from the site.

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IAEA Profile: When Passion Meets Purpose to Protect Ocean Health

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Hatje knew little about nuclear techniques when she began studying oceanography, but that changed when she moved from Brazil to Sydney, Australia, to pursue a PhD. She conducted most of her experimental work at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANTSO). “It was my first experience using nuclear techniques to study processes that control the levels of trace metals – such as zinc, iron and chromium – in water. I applied these techniques while conducting marine pollution research in Sydney Harbour.”  

Later, she used nuclear techniques to determine the chronology of environmental contamination of several marine ecosystems in Bahia, Brazil. She extracted cores of sediment from the coastal and ocean floor, a method that preserves the integrity of sediment layers. “I used dated sediment cores to examine the historical record of pollution,” she said, “and I correlated the data to the diverse human activities and how they changed over time.”  

Hatje’s educational journey prepared her for a new challenge to establish labs and projects focused on the marine environment at the Federal University of Bahia in a chemistry department that had never before supported ocean research. Around this time, Hatje began to work with a scientist who helped her navigate the Brazilian academic system. “I had the opportunity to work with a highly esteemed Brazilian scientist. Together, we managed two large projects,” she said. “I learned a great deal from my colleague – how to run a research group, how to successfully secure large grants and the importance of having a strong network.”  

One of Hatje’s greatest professional achievements is one that led to practical change. In 2013, while on a sabbatical at the University of California at Santa Cruz in the USA, Hatje had the chance to apply a method she had developed to evaluate rare earth elements in seawater to 20 years of water samples from San Francisco Bay. She found evidence of increasing levels of gadolinium, a naturally occurring element that is used as a contrast agent to increase the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging. “At the end of the day, this research had a very practical outcome that changed the monitoring programme of the area, with gadolinium now included in routine measurements of water quality in the Bay.” 

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The IAEA’s Transportable E-Beam System

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Electron beam (e-beam) technology is an industry work horse in 40 countries today to improve the safety and quality of materials. It works by using high energy electrons to treat products, making them cleaner, stronger or more durable. The IAEA’s Transportable Electron Beam System is breaking barriers by making this technology more accessible worldwide. This mobile and versatile system can process liquids, gases and solids, supporting innovation across industries such as health care, construction, food and agriculture, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental cleanup.

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Update 336 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The IAEA has initiated consultations to establish a temporary ceasefire zone in the area where Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) last remaining back-up 330 kV line was damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on 2 January, leaving the plant entirely dependent on its sole functioning 750 kV line, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The proposal requests both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to agree to a temporary ceasefire zone at a location approximately 10 kilometres from the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant 330 kV open switchyard, to enable Ukrainian technicians to safely perform the necessary repairs.

The latest ceasefire proposal comes after successful repairs were carried out under an IAEA-brokered local ceasefire on 30 December, marking the third time in recent months when  temporary truce arrangements negotiated and overseen by the IAEA allowed work on power lines critical for nuclear safety that had been damaged during the conflict. 

“The IAEA remains actively engaged with both parties to ensure nuclear safety and security at the plant,” said Director General Grossi. “We are confident that the Russian Federation and Ukraine will continue to cooperate constructively with us to carry out these essential repairs and reduce the risk of an accident.”

Over the past week, the IAEA team present at the ZNPP has also reported a significant increase in military activities in the areas surrounding the ZNPP, including some explosions heard close to the site. 

Throughout Ukraine, IAEA teams present at the country’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – and the Chornobyl NPP site have reported that military attacks on the country’s electrical infrastructure continue to impact nuclear safety at the plants. One NPP reduced its power output on 25 December when military activity caused one power line to be damaged and disconnected. 

Due to persistent military activity on the country’s power infrastructure Director General Grossi announced that the IAEA is preparing another expert mission to Ukraine’s electrical substations. 

“These substations are critical for nuclear safety and security as they supply electricity for reactor cooling and other essential safety systems. The IAEA has the expertise to assess the direct implications of the continued deterioration of Ukraine’s power grid on the safety of its nuclear power plants,” he added. 

In the past weeks, two deliveries were completed as part of the IAEA’s comprehensive programme of assistance to Ukraine. The deliveries consisted of radiation portal monitors intended for the Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology and six water level meters for the South-Ukrainian subdivision of the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Geological Company” within the framework of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO) programme. The deliveries – which brought the total number of shipments to Ukraine to 196 since the start of the war – were made possible with funds from Japan and Sweden.

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The Year Ahead: Key Events at the IAEA in 2026

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Emma Midgley, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

From strengthening safeguards and helping countries build resilient nuclear fuel supply chains to enhancing radiation protection for patients, 2026 will be an eventful year for the IAEA and its global community. 

Among the many highlights of the year, the 70th IAEA General Conference will take place from 14 to 18 September in Vienna. Nuclear decision makers from countries around the world will come together to chart the Agency’s future and reaffirm their commitment to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear science and technology. 

This milestone session will reflect on seven decades of impact while addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead — from nuclear energy to the IAEA’s work in cancer care, industry and food security. Below is a guide to some of the major conferences, symposia and other events planned in 2026 by the IAEA.

March — Nuclear Energy Summit

Nuclear Energy Summit
10 March, Paris, France.

The second Nuclear Energy Summit will be hosted by the Government of France in Paris. It follows on from a previous nuclear energy summit in 2024, in which world leaders gathered in Brussels to highlight the role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security and boosting economic development.

International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material 
23–27 March, Vienna, Austria

Every year, around 20 million shipments of nuclear and radioactive material support peaceful uses of nuclear technology in energy, medicine, industry, agriculture and research. In March, stakeholders will convene in Vienna to explore how design certification, regulatory frameworks, supply chains and new technologies can reinforce safety and security across all transport modes. 

Find out more at the conference website.

The IAEA conducts field exercises on transport security of nuclear material. (Image: IAEA)

April — Enhanced Nuclear and Radiation Safety and Security through Regulatory Systems

International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems (RegCon2026)
27–30 April, Vienna, Austria

Regulators and stakeholders will share practices for effective, agile and connected regulatory “ecosystems” that keep pace with innovation and emerging challenges. The 2026 edition follows Abu Dhabi 2023 and earlier meetings since 2006, with a focus on sharing good practices and experiences across the global regulatory community to further enhance nuclear and radiation safety and security. 

The IAEA has worked with researchers to carry out cyberattack simulations on a simulator.

May — Computer Security in the Nuclear World

International Conference on Computer Security in the Nuclear World: Securing the Future (CyberCon26) 
11–15 May, Vienna, Austria

As digital systems play an essential role in all aspects of the management and safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities, CyberCon26 will address computer security and potential threats and risks. The conference will bring together regulators, operators and specialists to explore six core themes from computer security by design to emerging digital technologies. 

5th International Conference on Fast Reactors and Related Fuel Cycles (FR26)
18–21 May, Beijing, China

Fast neutron reactors — and the fuel cycles that support them — are widely recognized as key to the long term sustainability of nuclear power. Compared to conventional thermal reactors, fast reactors can extract far more energy from uranium while significantly reducing high-level radioactive waste. Hosted by China in 2026, FR26 will build on prior conferences (Kyoto 2009, Paris 2013, Yekaterinburg 2017, Vienna 2022), engage young professionals, and spotlight progress in sodium, lead, gas and molten salt cooled concepts, as well as how fuels and fuel cycles can be developed for these advanced systems. 

Read more: What are Molten Salt Reactors? 

The E-beam facility is currently located at the IAEA’s laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria. (Image: IAEA)

June — E-Beams for Industry, Environment and Research

Training Workshop on the Transportable Electron Beam System 

17–19 June, IAEA Seibersdorf Laboratory, Austria

The workshop forms part of the IAEA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the technical capacity of its Member States in the application of advanced radiation technologies for industrial, environmental and research purposes.

A transportable electron beam system was launched during last year’s IAEA General Conference to be loaned out for training and experiments.

IAEA International Conference on Accelerators for Research and Sustainable Development
22–26 June, Vienna, Austria

Particle accelerators have many applications in science and industry, with significant societal and economic impact in areas such as health, environment, food safety, energy and cultural heritage. The second conference in this series will highlight advances in compact and large facilities, best practices in sustainable operation, and accelerator enabled solutions aligned with the IAEA flagship initiatives Atoms4Food, Atoms4NetZero, NUTEC Plastics, Rays of Hope and ZODIAC. 

Read more: What are Particle Accelerators? 

June–July — Learning from the Past to Enhance Safety at Nuclear Installations

International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety (TIC2026)
29 June–3 July, Vienna, Austria

Since 1998, Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety Conferences (TICs) have provided a global platform to share best practices at nuclear installations, from design, siting and construction to operation and regulation. TIC2026 will emphasize how insights gained from past projects and events can help to make future projects more effective, efficient and safe. The conference will address both continuous safety improvements for nuclear power plants currently in operation and strengthening the safety of advanced designs such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and next generation nuclear power plants. 

Read more: What are Small Modular Reactors?

September – IAEA General Conference

IAEA General Conference 2026
14-18 September Vienna, Austria

Every year in September, leaders, scientists and representatives of our 180 member countries gather in Vienna for one of the biggest annual events for nuclear decision-making: the IAEA General Conference. Delegates debate and decide on issues that shape the agency’s work — from budgets and programmes to peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology and energy. 

The General Conference helps set the IAEA’s course for the year ahead, ensuring that its activities remain effective, relevant, and responsive to global needs

October — Enhancing Radiation Medicine Patient Safety

October  —  International Symposium on Standards, Applications, and Quality Assurance in Medical Radiation Dosimetry (IDOS3)

5-9 October Vienna, Austria

Medical radiation dosimetry refers to the science and practice of measuring the dose of ionizing radiation delivered to a patient during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. IDOS3 will continue the work of previous symposia in 2010 and 2019 reviewed advances in dosimetry standards, audits and quality assurance across radiotherapy, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine, underpinning patient safety and measurement traceability. 

Read more: What is Radiation Therapy? 

What are Radiopharmaceuticals?

Building Resilient Fuel Supply Chains for a Sustainable Future International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development

13–15 October, Vienna, Austria

With countries planning to expand nuclear power to meet climate and energy security goals, the front end of the fuel cycle — from uranium exploration to enrichment and fabrication — faces rising demand. The conference will address conventional fuels and advanced nuclear fuels such as HALEU, which is uranium enriched up to 20%, for advanced reactors.  It will also explore other aspects of the supply chain, such as new fuel design concepts, circular economy approaches and other innovations. An essay competition for young professionals invites early career perspectives ahead of the event. 

Read more: IAEA Launches Competition on Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain

November — Safeguards Symposium

Symposium on International Safeguards
9-13 November, Vienna, Austria

Held every four years, the IAEA Symposium on International Safeguards brings together global stakeholders in support of IAEA safeguards. It is an opportunity for safeguards regulatory authorities, the research and development community, industry and civil society to identify challenges and opportunities for IAEA safeguards, highlight research, share ideas, and build partnerships. The 2026 symposium follows the 2022 event Reflecting on the Past and Anticipating the Future

December — Managing Nuclear Power Plants for Decades of Safe, Reliable Operation

6th International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management (PLiM 6)
7–11 December, Tokyo, Japan

With the average global reactor age now over 30 years, long term operation hinges on effective ageing management of structures, systems and components. The PLiM 6 conference will share strategies, innovations and programme approaches that sustain safety and performance — supporting the long term operation of nuclear power plants beyond 60 years. 

Nuclear Power Ministerial Conference

A ministerial level gathering on nuclear power is under consideration. Details will be published on the IAEA events portal. 

Board of Governors

The IAEA’s Board of Governors will meet in March 2-6, June 08-12, before and after the General Conference on September 7-11 and September 21 and from November 16-20, when it will include the technical assistance and cooperation committee (TACC). 

For a comprehensive list of all the meetings and events in 2026 at the IAEA, click here.

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IAEA’s Marine Radioactivity Information System Transforms Ocean Research

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The IAEA Marine Radioactivity Information System offers over a million verified records of data related to marine radioactivity to help experts track, understand and protect our oceans.

Ellie McDonald, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Sophie Ramirez, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

The IAEA’s Marine Radioactivity Information System (MARIS) is used by scientists, policymakers and experts use the system to assess radionuclide levels and trends in marine environments. (Photo: IAEA)

The IAEA has expanded global access to critical ocean data through its Marine Radioactivity Information System (MARIS), an open platform that hosts more than one million verified radioactivity records from seas and oceans worldwide. Freely accessible online for 20 years, the system is helping scientists and policymakers track changes in marine environments with transparency and consistency. 

Environmental monitoring and scientific research generate vast amounts of valuable data, yet much of it remains inaccessible. Access restrictions, incompatible formats, missing metadata, poor provenance, unclear licensing and fragmented storage often prevent scientists from sharing and building on each other’s work.  

MARIS was developed to overcome these barriers. Its radioactivity records are verified through the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco. The laboratories’ expertise guides key datasets and drives the continuous development of MARIS in line with evolving user needs. MARIS records are also standardized, documented and offer full provenance records for scientific reuse. 

“What makes MARIS unique is not just the volume of data, but the rigorous quality assurance behind every record,” said Paul McGinnity, Research Scientist at the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories. “Before any data enters the system, our team validates the analytical methods, checks for consistency, and ensures proper documentation. This quality control is what gives scientists worldwide the confidence to use MARIS data for critical environmental assessments and policy decisions.” 

MARIS data supports a wide range of applications. Scientists, policymakers and experts use the system to assess radionuclide levels and trends in marine environments, validate computational models of radionuclide transfer and support environmental monitoring. As the ocean faces mounting pressures from climate change, marine plastic pollution and ocean warming, access to reliable radioactivity data is increasingly vital.  

“The standardized format and open access nature of MARIS data has greatly enhanced our ability to collaborate with neighbouring countries on marine radioactivity research,” said Bao Li, Associate Researcher at the China Institute for Radiation Protection. “For comprehensive environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region, we need this kind of shared, verified data foundation.” 

The IAEA periodically gathers information from its Member States to track the amount of radioactive materials that have entered the world’s oceans and seas. Scientists perform Rosette sampling in the ocean, Monaco. (Photo: IAEA)

MARIS enables users to filter data by year, region, radionuclide, data source and, when applicable, depth and species. Its extensive database includes measurements of radionuclides in seawater, biota, sediment and suspended matter, providing a robust record across time and location. MARIS also provides essential baseline data for comparing radionuclide levels before and after human activities, such as planned discharges from nuclear facilities or unplanned releases following nuclear or radiological incidents. With records dating back to 1957, MARIS helps researchers track long-term trends in marine radioactivity.  

The system draws on data from diverse global sources, including national monitoring programmes and regional organizations, such as the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic and the Asia and Pacific Marine Radioactivity Database. Additional data are extracted from peer-reviewed scientific publications. 

MARIS also contributes to the global movement toward open data, data reuse and open science. To be included in MARIS, data must be freely available for redistribution and reuse by anyone, at anytime and anywhere—a commitment that promotes transparency, supports research and enables reanalysis.  

MARIS data inform environmental regulations in dozens of countries, strengthen emergency preparedness and response planning for nuclear incidents and underpin research that safeguards millions of people whose livelihoods depend on marine resources.  

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