Category: IAEA

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IAEA Convenes ZODIAC Week in Vienna to Strengthen Global Defences Against Future Pandemics

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Sophie Ramirez, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Participants at the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Bingerville (LCVB), Côte d’Ivoire are trained in Minion Next Generation Sequencing by an expert from the Joint FAO/IAEA Animal Production and Health Laboratory. 

Global experts have gathered in Vienna for a  week-long event to strengthen countries’ preparedness for future zoonotic disease outbreaks. 

What is ZODIAC Week?

The Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) is the IAEA’s flagship initiative to address zoonotic diseases to safeguard human and animal health. 

“ZODIAC was launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with a clear purpose: to help ensure the world would be better prepared for the next zoonotic outbreak,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. “What makes this initiative unique is the network gathered here today: a combination of scientific excellence, operational capacity, and field-level implementation. This week is about connecting these dots to create a shield of global readiness.”

Participants of the ZODIAC Ad-Hoc Scientific Panel (ZOSP) gathered in Vienna to kick off ZODIAC week from 23-28 February 2026. (Photo: IAEA)

How Does ZODIAC Prevent Pandemics?

The ZODIAC initiative has many interconnected pillars, reflected by this week’s programme. Plenary lectures by international scientists will reflect topics related to the initiative’s work, from preventing zoonotic spillover to building technological platforms for rapid pathogen discovery. Participants will also receive updates on the  progress  across the initiative’s five pillars, from enhancing diagnostic capacities and advancing research and development to leveraging big data and artificial intelligence for real-time decision-making.

Since its launch in June 2020, ZODIAC has helped strengthen member countries’ abilities to rapidly detect and respond to zoonotic threats. To date, the initiative has supported 52 laboratories across all regions with essential equipment and  established nine Whole Genome Sequencing hubs in low- and middle-income countries. A hub in Senegal has already sequenced the full genome of the Rift Valley Fever virus circulating in the region, providing critical information to control  outbreaks that affect both people and livestock.

What are the Aims of ZODIAC Week?

ZODIAC Week is structured to foster dialogue and collaboration between its key bodies. The first in-person session of the ZODIAC Ad-Hoc Scientific Panel , composed of independent scientists from all regions, will provide  scientific guidance and recommendations for the initiative’s future direction, including exploring new strategies like irradiated vaccines and antimicrobial resistance control.

Simultaneously, the first Research Coordination Meeting (RCM) of the new coordinated research projects (CRP) for Africa, funded by Japan, will begin its work. The project aims to strengthen surveillance systems across the continent by accelerating sample collection, improving diagnostic accuracy, and understanding pathogen genetics. These efforts are running in parallel with the ZODIAC National Laboratories (ZNLs) Implementation Meeting, which brings together lab representatives to foster collaboration and coordinate surveillance and response strategies.

 Training on field sampling and nanopore sequencing of zoonotic pathogens in 2025, in Cambodia. (Photo: Institute of Pasteur, Cambodia).

How will Research Translate into Practical Tools for Countries Around the World?

A highlight of the week will be a joint visit to the Joint FAO/IAEA Animal Production and Health Laboratory in Seibersdorf. This visit will link high-level discussions with laboratory practice, allowing participants to see  research and  nuclear related technologies that are then transferred to countries through fellowships, scientific visits and training .

“We extend sincere appreciation to our donor Member States, whose commitment makes this progress possible,” said Deputy Director General Mokhtar. “ZODIAC’s strength lies in its global network and shared purpose. Over the coming days, we will build the synergies needed to ensure that when the next outbreak occurs, the world is ready.” 

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First 2026 Lise Meitner Programme Visit Concludes in Australia

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Sara Kouchehbagh, IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy

(Photo: ANSTO)

The IAEA’s flagship initiative to support career development for women in nuclear fields continued its work this month in Australia through a two-week professional visit focused on nuclear medicine production, nuclear technology and science research and applications. The visit was the first of several Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) visits planned for 2026. 

Named after the Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise Meitner, who helped discover nuclear fission, the programme aims to boost women’s career development in the nuclear sector through professional visits hosted by IAEA Member States. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with support from the Australian Government, hosted 22 women professionals from 9 to 20 February in Sydney. This was the seventh LMP visit since the programme began. 

“ANSTO’s facilities and expertise exemplify how nuclear research infrastructure and applications can be integrated to deliver tangible social benefits, from advanced research reactors and radioisotope production to environmental science and industrial applications,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. “We are deeply grateful to Australia and to ANSTO for their openness, excellence and commitment to international cooperation and for their unwavering support to the IAEA Lise Meitner Programme.” 

Exploring Nuclear Applications Across Sectors

This visit highlighted how nuclear science and technology supports  the Sustainable Development Goals and provided participants with tools to communicate these benefits effectively. It explored cutting-edge applications in human health, environment, agriculture, ocean health and industry. 

The Royal North Shore Nuclear Medicine Facility invited LMP participants to tour the Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine Department, and the National Total Body PET/CT Facility and Therapeutics Labs (Photo: ANSTO).

“Participating in the IAEA Lise Meitner Programme has been both a joy and a privilege. The knowledge and hands-on experience I have gained are incredibly valuable, especially since my country is developing its first research cyclotron to produce radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) scans in cancer diagnosis and tuberculosis detection,” said Firliyani Ningsih, a Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia. 

Technical Visits Enhance Capacity

As part of the visit, the group toured the Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor, a 20-megawatt research reactor running on low enriched uranium produces commercial quantities of radioisotopes for both medical use and research. Participants also toured the ANSTO Nuclear Medicine Production Facility, the Australian Centre for Accelerator Science as well as the ANSTO Minerals and Gamma Irradiation Facility. 

LMP participants take part in a tour of the OPAL multipurpose research reactor located in Sydney, Australia (Photo: ANSTO).

“Hosting the IAEA Lise Meitner Programme reflects the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s commitment to empowering women to lead, innovate and shape the future of nuclear science and technology,” said Jasmine Reay, Group Executive of Infrastructure and Engineering Services at ANSTO. “The LMP enables participants to build long-lasting professional relationships, creating a cross-cultural community of women professionals in nuclear.”   
 

In addition to the programme’s technical components, it also placed a strong emphasis on strategies to accelerate career growth and personal development in the nuclear sector. Sessions included modules on resilient communication and the role of emotional intelligence in the workplace to strengthen leadership presence and to further their careers in the nuclear field, where they represent less than a quarter of the workforce. 

Participants and experts from the 2026 LMP cohort onsite in Sydney, Australia (Photo: ANSTO). 
 

Building on Past Success and Preparing for the Future

To date, more than 100 women from 45 countries have taken part in the LMP since its launch by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in 2023. Previous visits took place in  Argentina, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.  

The programme complements the  IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP), which provides scholarships for master’s programmes to women in nuclear related studies and internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA. Both programmes work to address the growing need for a nuclear workforce with diverse expertise by tackling the underrepresentation of women in the nuclear field. 

The next LMP visit will take place in the Russian Federation, hosted by Rosatom and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). Subsequent visits are scheduled in Austria , hosted by Orano and the IAEA, followed by a second visit to France, hosted by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Details and dates for these visits will be announced soon and interested professionals will be able to apply here. 

The Lise Meitner Programme is funded by extra-budgetary and in-kind contributions from IAEA member countries and other donors. More information on the programme is available here.  

The IAEA welcomes partners from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society. For more information on how you can support the LMP, please click here.    

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Update 341 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is operating on its sole remaining main power line after losing its only back‑up line more than a week ago. The situation underscores the plant’s continued vulnerability and the persistent risks to nuclear safety amid the conflict, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned today.

ZNPP’s Ferosplavna-1 330 kV back-up off-site power line was disconnected on 10 February, reportedly as a result of military activity near the 330 kV switchyard operated by the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP). Despite this loss, the plant continues to rely on the 750 kV Dniprovska off‑site power line, which is currently sustaining all essential nuclear safety functions.

The IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP continues to request detailed information on the nature and extent of the damage. The team has also sought access to the site’s switchyard to observe and assess any potential impact first-hand. However, access to this area has been denied to the Agency’s teams for several years due to security restrictions.

“The IAEA stands ready to accurately report on the nature of the damage and any impact on nuclear safety and security,” said Director General Grossi.

While the timeframe for implementing the necessary repairs remains unknown, Director General Grossi confirmed that the IAEA has reached out to both sides with a proposed ceasefire window to enable safe assessment and repair of the damage. The Agency has previously facilitated four temporary ceasefire agreements, which allowed five separate repairs to power lines connected to the ZNPP.

“Reliable off‑site power is fundamental to maintaining nuclear safety and security, as set out in both the IAEA’s Seven Indispensable Pillars as well as the Five Principles to avoid a nuclear accident at the ZNPP” said Director General Grossi. “The Agency remains fully committed to supporting all necessary efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of every nuclear facility in Ukraine.”

Additionally, this week across Ukraine, IAEA teams at the Rivne and Khmelnitsky nuclear power plants (NPPs) reported having to take shelter several times. At the Chornobyl site, the IAEA team was informed of nine drones within the monitoring area, while at the Khmelnitsky NPP one drone was detected approximately four kilometres from the plant. The teams also reported that one operating NPP temporarily lost an off‑site power line for less than a day.

The IAEA marked a significant milestone in its comprehensive assistance programme for Ukraine this month, completing its 200th delivery of equipment and support to help maintain nuclear safety and security amid the ongoing conflict. This week, under the medical assistance programme, 244 tables and 263 wardrobes were delivered to the Chornobyl NPP to improve staff living conditions. The delivery – the 204th in the assistance programme – was funded by Austria and Norway.

“The IAEA has been responding to Ukraine’s requests for assistance since early on in conflict,” said Director General Grossi. “Reaching 200 deliveries is a clear demonstration of the Agency’s unwavering commitment to supporting nuclear safety and security across the country.”

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How Radiation Dosimetry Supports Safe Medical Care

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Monika Shifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information

An IAEA radiation metrologist at the Dosimetry Laboratory setting up for calibrating an ionization chamber for external beam radiotherapy. (Photo: D.Calma/IAEA).

Radiation therapy is one of the most effective treatments for many kinds of cancer, helping to destroy tumours and save lives. Because these treatments use high‑energy radiation directed at specific parts of the body, accuracy is critical — regardless of how small the dose is. Even small inaccuracies can affect how well a tumour is treated or increase the risk of side effects. 

This is where dosimetry plays a vital role. Dosimetry measures how much radiation is delivered during medical procedures and ensures that patients receive exactly the dose prescribed. Reliable dose measurement is essential for safe and effective radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine. 

The IAEA works with countries to strengthen dosimetry practices through standards, audits, training and laboratory support. 

For more than six decades, the IAEA Dosimetry Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria — established in 1961 and now modernized through the IAEA’s Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories projects — has been helping countries strengthen the accuracy of their radiation measurements. Through calibration services, audits, training and scientific support, the Laboratory helps ensure that cancer patients worldwide can receive safe and accurate doses. 

In October 2025, the IAEA inaugurated the Curie‑Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre in Seibersdorf, completing the modernization project. This new facility is a major upgrade to the IAEA’s nuclear science and applications laboratories, strengthening the support provided to countries using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. 

We spoke to Zakithi Msimang, an IAEA medical radiation physicist. 

How does the Dosimetry Laboratory’s work contribute to improving patient safety and effectiveness in radiotherapy globally?

The IAEA Dosimetry Laboratory provides two services which are critical for patient treatment: calibration and audit services. These services help hospitals deliver the radiation dose prescribed for each patient. Calibration ensures that medical facilities can measure doses accurately. Audits verify that doses are calculated and delivered accurately. Together, these services enable medical physicists to have confidence in their dosimetry system, contributing to patient safety and effective treatment worldwide.    

How have the dosimetry services that the IAEA provides to countries evolved over the years?

Over the years the Dosimetry Laboratory has upgraded the equipment it uses for dose audits to increase their precision and lower their cost. 

The Dosimetry Laboratory was established to develop a calorimeter and a postal dose audit system for comparing radiation doses between hospitals. Early pilot postal dose inter-hospital comparisons were conducted by the IAEA in 1965–1966 using Fricke dosimeters and Thermo Luminescence Dosimeters (TLDs). Eventually, the service was established based on TLDs due to their good precision, low cost and ease of shipment and it operated this way until 2016. In 2017, the IAEA modernized its systems by replacing ageing TLD readers with radiophotoluminescent dosimetry (RPLD) systems. 

Calibration services have also evolved.  Initially limited to air-based measurements, they now include absorbed dose to water using cobalt-60 photon beams. The laboratory has also added calibration for high-dose-rate brachytherapy, expressed in terms of reference air kerma rate, and provides X-ray calibrations for both radiation therapy beams and diagnostic radiology. 

What approaches have been used to strengthen dosimetry capabilities in low- and middle-income countries?

The IAEA works with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics to offer postgraduate training, including a Master of Advanced Studies in medical physics and, from 2026, a Master of Advanced Studies in radiation metrology. These programmes mainly enroll students from low- and middle-income countries. Together, we have also supported and hosted workshops on a wide range of dosimetry topics.  

An IAEA dosimetrist conducting a training session at the Dosimetry Laboratory to strengthen the quality assurance capabilities of cancer centres across the globe. (Photo: G. Velez/IAEA). 

How does the IAEA support training and education for medical physicists and dosimetry professionals from around the world?

The IAEA publishes guidance on dosimetry for medical physicists in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology and radiation metrologists. It also issues recommended curricula for medical physicists and radiation metrologists.  

Training activities range from regional and national courses to specialized workshops for medical physicists and radiation metrologists on various dosimetry topics hosted and funded by the IAEA, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Argonne National Laboratory, IAEA Collaborating Centres and Rays of Hope anchor centres. These have a theoretical and practical hands-on component.  

The IAEA also facilitates collaboration among experts through technical meetings for secondary standards dosimetry laboratories and the dosimetry audit network providers. Every seven to eight years, it hosts the International Symposium on Standards, Application and Quality Assurance in Medical Radiation Dosimetry (IDOS). 

How do you foster innovation and continuous improvement among the Laboratory’s scientific and technical staff?

The recent modernization of the Seibersdorf laboratories — including the new Curie‑Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre — supports innovation in dosimetry by providing upgraded facilities that strengthen scientific collaboration and enhance the development of advanced tools to ensure accurate and safe radiation measurements. 

IAEA coordinated research projects (CRPs) foster innovation and continuous improvement. Current CRPs address dosimetry in brachytherapy, diagnostic radiology and a doctoral research project in radiation metrology.  Laboratories are encouraged to collaborate with their counterparts in the IAEA/WHO SSDL Network rather than working in isolation.  

Inauguration of ReNuAL2 Facilities held at the IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria. 7 October 2025. (Photo: D.Calma/IAEA). 

Looking ahead, what major trends do you see shaping the future of global dosimetry and radiation metrology?

Rapid technological development in medical radiation therapy and imaging requires closer coordination between equipment manufacturers and radiation metrologists to ensure that solutions are available more quickly. Today, a significant gap often exists between the introduction of a new technology and the availability of globally accepted calibration and measurement protocols. Closing this gap will require collaboration among developers, regulators, metrology institutes, hospitals and international organizations from the earliest stages of technology development. 

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Moldova Advances Efforts to Address Childhood and Other Cancers

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Igor Veljkovikj, IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation

Nika Notar, IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation

In collaboration with St. Jude, the team reviewed paediatric oncology and explored the way forward to increase services, building on Moldova’s progress to date in tackling childhood cancers. (Photo: I. Veljkovikj, IAEA).   

A review by IAEA and partners has found that Moldova has taken significant steps to tackle childhood and other cancers and set out recommendations to strengthen services for vulnerable populations as the country prepares its National Cancer Control Programme 2026–2030.  

Cancer remains a main public health challenge in Moldova, with nearly 15 000 new cases and more than 8 000 deaths annually. The Government has declared cancer control a national priority, with a focus on upgrading care infrastructure and the availability of diagnostic and treatment technologies.  

The imPACT review, conducted by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), evaluated Moldova’s cancer control capacities across the full spectrum of care – from prevention and early detection to treatment and palliative care.  

As part of a new global partnership between the IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to strengthen paediatric radiation oncology, the review also assessed childhood cancer services.   

The international team of experts underlined opportunities to improve cancer governance in Moldova, aligning with good practices and strategies in the European region. They also recommended actions to strengthen human resources for cancer control, including paediatric oncology, and partnerships that could support health financing.  

“This is a new era for our oncology system – one in which decisions are no longer fragmented but based on an independent vision anchored to the best international standards,” said Moldova’s Minister of Health Emil Ceban at the opening of the imPACT review mission in November 2025.   

The experts also visited other facilities related to cancer care, such as the Timofei Moșneaga Republican Clinical Hospital. (Photo: N. Notar/ IAEA)  

A Focus on Vulnerable Populations

Childhood cancers affect 120 children aged 0-19 years every year, according to the latest IARC estimates. Key challenges in tackling this include financial barriers and limited availability of specific medicines. In 2025, the country joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines to secure critical therapies.  

Moldova also hosts a significant number of Ukrainian refugees, including childhood cancer patients, providing them with treatment in Moldova or in neighbouring countries.  

“Moldova has made remarkable progress in childhood cancer care, driven by the dedication of its clinicians, strong support from the Ministry of Health and growing international collaboration,” said Sanjeeva Gunasekera, a paediatric oncologist who participated in the mission on behalf of St. Jude who participated in the mission.  

At the PMSI Institute of Oncology, the imPACT review team reviewed services such as pathology, early detection, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. (Photo: M. Losada, WHO) 

Investment in Human Resources and Technology

From 10-14 November 2025, the imPACT review team met with several stakeholders and visited cancer care facilities, including the PMSI Institute of Oncology and the Mother and Child Institute, which provides paediatric care.  

“Quality imaging is essential for the accurate staging and management of paediatric cancers,” said Anita Brink, Nuclear Physician at the IAEA’s Division of Human Health. “The Government of Moldova has shown commitment for improving access to quality imaging services.”  

They urged increased investment in oncology training and retention strategies and in digital health, including telemedicine, to increase the availability of services.  

They also recommended enhancing multisectoral cancer governance in Moldova, involving academia, professional groups, and civil society. Strengthened and effective collaboration among all cancer stakeholders would support the planning and delivery of cancer services. 

Follow up imPACT Review sessions held in January 2026 supported the drafting of the new National Cancer Control Programme, including strategies to mobilize partners to strengthen services, including for childhood cancers.  

Expanding Global Capacities for Paediatric Radiation Medicine

In June 2025, the IAEA and St. Jude entered a partnership to strengthen paediatric radiation medicine capacities in low- and middle-income countries. The aim is to provide technical resources, guidance and training for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists to improve outcomes.  

The collaboration will also support the integration of childhood cancer care in national planning in selected countries through imPACT Reviews. These joint IAEA, WHO and IARC assessments help countries in identifying gaps and needs in cancer control and provides recommendations to strengthen services.  

Opening of the imPACT review mission with Minister of Health Emil Ceban (Photo: IAEA)  

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Update 340 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost connection to one of its two off-site power lines on Tuesday, leaving it once again precariously reliant on a single power source, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The 330 kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 off-site power line was disconnected around midday on 10 February, allegedly due to military activity near the switchyard operated by the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP). ZNPP is still powered by the 750 kV Dniprovska off-site power line to ensure nuclear safety functions. Before the conflict, the ZNPP had four 750 kV and six 330 kV power lines available.

Around the time the Ferosplavna-1 line was disconnected, the IAEA team at the ZNPP heard explosions in the distance. They have not had access to the ZTPP switchyard in several years but were informed that lines connecting the switchyard to the ZNPP have been damaged. One of these lines was damaged in December 2025 and subsequently repaired under the local ceasefire brokered by the IAEA. The team has yet to be informed of an anticipated timeline for repairs; however, the IAEA stands ready to negotiate another ceasefire to facilitate repairs to these essential power lines to ensure the nuclear safety of the plant. 

The situation also caused damage to the heating pipe from the ZNPP to the nearby city of Enerhodar, which caused the city to lose heating for several hours.

Military activity over the past weekend once again targeted the Ukrainian electrical grid, impacting nuclear power plants’ (NPPs) operations. All reactor units across Ukraine, except for one, had to reduce power, and several off-site power lines were disconnected. One reactor unit was disconnected from the grid, while another was shut down due to equipment issues from electrical fluctuations. All Ukrainian NPPs reported multiple drones and a cruise missile within their monitoring areas, and the IAEA team at the Khmelnitsky NPP also heard military activity and sheltered. 

“Such events in Ukraine are becoming all too common with each one reminding us of the ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security arising from deteriorating grid conditions,” Director General Grossi said. “No one benefits from a nuclear accident – especially one that can be prevented from all of us taking action. To this end, I call for maximum military restraint from all sides.” 

The IAEA’s mission to electrical substations critical to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine continued this week. As a result of the ongoing military activity described above, two additional substations were added to the mission, bringing the total number of substation visits by IAEA teams to 12. However, today, the team visiting a substation in Western Ukraine was forced to evacuate due to local air raid alarms. At the same time, teams at both the Khmelnitsky and Rivne NPPs also were required to shelter in place.

“We are lucky to be able to leverage our staff already deployed across Ukraine to obtain valuable first-hand knowledge of the impact these attacks are having on nuclear safety and security. We will continue to report on the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine according to the Seven Indispensable Pillars and bring timely and important in situ information to our Member States,” Director General Grossi stated.

Earlier this week, the IAEA teams at the Rivne and Chornobyl NPPs 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. Three new systems to complement available physical protection measures were recently delivered – one to the Centralized Dry Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility of the State Enterprise “National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom” and two to the State Specialized Enterprise “Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management”. One high-pressure air compressor with a filling panel was delivered to Rivne NPP. 

Additionally, one real-time PCR cycler was delivered to the Odesa Regional State Laboratory to support PCR diagnostics for fast and accurate detection of diseases. Laboratory supplies and consumables, including biological reference material, IT and laboratory equipment were delivered to the Zaporizhzhya Regional State Laboratory.

The deliveries, which brought the total number of shipments to Ukraine to 203, were made possible with funds from Denmark, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.

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Call for Abstracts: Sixth International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Sara Kouchehbagh, Department of Nuclear Energy

Interested contributors now have until 1 May 2026 to submit abstracts for the Sixth International Conference on Nuclear Power Plant Life Management (PLiM 6), to be held from 7 to 11 December 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. 

The latest IAEA high-case outlook projects global nuclear power capacity increasing by 150% from current levels by 2050 reaching 992 gigawatts. This expected growth is driven by countries extending the lifetimes of existing power reactors, advancing new large-scale nuclear plant construction and accelerating the rollout of small modular reactors (SMRs). 

To meet decarbonization and energy security goals, the safety of long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear power plants has become a top priority for many nuclear power fleets. The plant life management (PLiM) programme helps operators manage ageing effects in structures, systems and components for LTO in a safe and cost‑effective manner.   

“For Member States, his event provides an important international forum to share proven solutions and lessons learned in nuclear power plant life management programmes—not only for countries with units currently under long-term operation or preparing for it, but also for those preparing for new builds, as well as newcomer countries,” said Qun Yu, an IAEA nuclear engineer and one of the scientific secretaries for this conference. 

This is the sixth conference in the PLiM series, following previous editions in Austria, China, France, Hungary and the United States of America. It is aimed at staff from utilities, research and design organizations, regulatory bodies, manufacturing and service companies, technical support organizations and government decision makers planning near, medium and long-term energy needs that include nuclear. 

“This conference will provide a unique platform for Member States to exchange experience and best practices on safety and availability aspects related to the plant life management of nuclear power plants,” said Martin Marchena, an IAEA nuclear safety officer and one of the scientific secretaries for this conference. He added that “This will create a valuable forum for dialogue between countries with established nuclear programmes and newcomer nations, while also engaging operators, regulators and other stakeholders to support shared learning, enhance safety, and promote the sustainable development of nuclear energy worldwide.” 

Contributors interested in submitting an abstract for the conference should choose a topic in one of the following areas: 

  • Good Practices and Lessons Learned in Nuclear Power Plant Life Management
  • Innovation for Nuclear Power Plant Life Management
  • Ageing Management and Preparation of Long-Term Operation
  • Important Engineering Aspects in Nuclear Power Plant Life Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement, Human Resource Development and Knowledge/Competence Management
  • Regulatory Approaches and Safety Analysis Relevant to Long-Term Operation   

Guidelines for submitting abstracts are available here. Those wishing to contribute should submit a synopsis through the IAEA web-based submission system (IAEA-INDICO). 

Authors will be informed by 3 July 2026 whether their submission has been accepted for oral or poster presentation at the conference. 

All persons wishing to participate in the event must be designated by an IAEA Member State or be a member of an invited organization. No registration fee is charged to participants. 

More information on registration and participation is available here. 

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IAEA Concludes Long Term Operational Safety Review of South Africa’s SAFARI-1 Research Reactor

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The SALTO-RR team visited the SAFARI-1 reactor. (Credit: South African Nuclear Energy Corporation)

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of nuclear safety experts on Friday completed a review of continued safe operation of the SAFARI-1 Research Reactor in Pelindaba, South Africa.

The Safety Review Mission on Ageing Management and Continued Safe Operation (SALTO-RR) mission was requested by the operator, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA). During the five-day mission, held from 2 to 6 February, the team reviewed the SAFARI-1 reactor’s preparedness, organization and programmes, focusing on ageing management and continued safe operation.

SAFARI-1 is located on NECSA’s Pelindaba site in Northwest Province. SAFARI-1 is a tank-in-pool reactor, cooled and moderated by light water with beryllium reflectors, and with a nominal operating power of 20 MW. The first criticality of the reactor was achieved on 18 March 1965. SAFARI-1 is currently used for commercial production of radioisotopes and provision of services for medical and industrial applications. The main product is molybdenum-99, whose decay product is technetium-99m. Technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals are used in the diagnosis of cancer patients, cardiac patients and many other applications. The reactor is also used for neutron transmutation doping of silicon, neutron activation analysis, neutron radiography and neutron diffraction.

The mission, supported by IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation, was conducted by a six-person team consisting of experts from Australia, Ghana, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Pakistan, as well as two IAEA staff members. Representatives from South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator also participated in the mission as observers. The mission activities included a walkdown of the reactor facility, examination of safety and technical documentation, and discussions with SAFARI-1 counterparts. 

The team identified the following good performances:

  • Strong commitment and involvement of the reactor management and technical staff by conducting a self-assessment against SALTO-RR guidelines as part of mission preparation; and
  • Effective engagement and communication between the operating organization and the regulatory body at an early stage for the ongoing periodic safety review.

“We appreciated the high quality of the discussions during the mission, and the openness of the SAFARI-1 counterparts is well noted,” said Kaichao Sun, mission team leader and Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “Systematically implementing the ageing management activities can be challenging. Continuously improving the management system that integrates the existing operational programmes helps address this challenge.”

The team provided a number of recommendations and suggestions to strengthen SAFARI-1’s ageing management programme, including:

  • Management of financial and human resources to achieve the organization’s objectives of continued safe operation;
  • Development of a systematic screening process to identify the structures, systems and components in the scope of the ageing management programme; and
  • Establishment of formalized programmes to proactively address the obsolescence and qualification of equipment.

The mission team provided a draft report to the SAFARI-1 management and to NECSA, who subsequently expressed a determination to implement the mission findings. NECSA agreed to request a follow-up mission to review the status of the implementation in 2028.

“We recognize that our SAFARI-1 reactor, which is over 61 years, ages. Our responsibility to manage the ageing process becomes increasingly critical,” said Sammy Malaka, Acting Group Executive for Nuclear Operations and SAFARI-1 Reactor Manager. “We view this SALTO mission as a collaborative opportunity to strengthen our safety culture, enhance our ageing management programme, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our research reactor operation and capabilities.”

Background

Reviews of ageing management and continued safe operation of a research reactor are performed in accordance with a methodology developed based on the IAEA Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) peer review service for nuclear power plants and research reactors, and in accordance with the IAEA safety standards. These reviews complement IAEA Integrated Safety Assessment of Research Reactors (INSARR) missions, which are designed as a comprehensive review of programmes and activities essential to safety.

Establishment and implementation of an effective ageing management programme for research reactors is to ensure their continued safe operation. As stated in the IAEA safety standards, maintaining the availability and reliability of research reactor facilities requires measures to prevent, detect and mitigate ageing effects on structures, systems and components. It also calls for refurbishment and modernization projects based on systematic ageing management reviews. 

General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website.

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Update 339 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The Ukrainian electrical grid was again the target of military activity, over the past weekend, leading to significant impacts to several regions of Ukraine and nuclear power plant (NPP) operations, stated International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Power lines linking Ukraine with neighbouring countries were disconnected, triggering a cascade of power lines being disconnected within Ukraine. As a result, a unit at one NPP disconnected from the grid due to fluctuations and automatically shutdown. Other units at other NPPs were forced to reduce power. The Chornobyl site experienced a complete loss of off‑site power and relied on its emergency diesel generators for approximately one hour.

“This latest grid event in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security arising from deteriorating grid conditions. Extensive repairs are needed to improve the reliability of power supply to Ukrainian NPPs and to strengthen their resilience to further grid events,” Director General Grossi said. “Once again, I call for maximum military restraint, as well as full observance of the Seven Indispensable Pillars to enable these essential repairs to take place.”

Amid increased military activity impacting the Ukrainian electrical grid, three IAEA teams are visiting 10 substations critical to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. The objective of this two-week IAEA mission is to assess the continuing damage to the grid, review repair efforts and identify practical steps to strengthen the resilience of off-site power supplies to the country’s NPPs. One of the teams has also visited Kyiv, where they discussed further IAEA support to NPP operations under deteriorating grid conditions. 

This is the second such mission in as many months; the previous mission took place in December 2025, which confirmed the effects of cumulative impacts on NPP operations and staff conditions. 

Further evidence of decreasing grid stability within Ukraine was apparent at the Chornobyl NPP in late-January. The IAEA team was informed that the diesel generators for the site’s New Safe Confinement and the Interim Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Facility unexpectedly started on Friday, 23 January, due to fluctuations from the grid. The diesel generators for both facilities were manually put in standby mode within minutes. “This further highlights the impact that military activity on the grid can have on safety systems,” Director General Grossi added.

Earlier last week, Chornobyl NPP detected 44 drones within their surveillance zone. On Tuesday last week, the IAEA team at Rivne NPP sheltered at their hotel, while two drones were detected within the plant’s surveillance zone. Another six drones were detected at Rivne NPP last week. 

Over the past two weeks, IAEA teams at the Khmelnitsky and South Ukraine NPPs safely rotated.

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IAEA Mission Sees Strong Regulatory Leadership and Safety Commitment in Japan, Recommends Further Improvements

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Japan has in recent years further strengthened its supervision of nuclear and radiation safety under the leadership of an independent and effective national regulator established after the Fukushima Daiichi accident 15 years ago, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said today.

The team also provided recommendations on how Japan – which has re-started several reactors that were shut down after the accident in March 2011 – can take steps to additionally enhance regulatory performance in the nuclear field. These include measures to help maintain specialised regulatory expertise through more flexible staff recruitment.

The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission was conducted at the request of the Government of Japan and hosted by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). The IRRS team completed its two-week mission on 6 February. 

With 1,080 employees and 22 regional offices, the NRA was set up in 2012 as a key part of Japan’s efforts to improve nuclear and radiation safety. The previous IRRS mission to Japan was carried out in 2020, as a follow-up to an initial review in 2016.

“Since the last mission, Japan has further strengthened its regulatory framework. We observed a highly independent regulator with clear leadership and a strong focus on safety as well as on regulatory effectiveness and efficiency, underpinned by transparent decision‑making,” said IRRS team leader Petteri Tiippana, Director General of Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK).

Before the Fukushima Daiichi accident, Japan’s 54 nuclear power reactors produced about 30 per cent of its electricity. They were all shut down because of the accident, but 14 reactors have resumed operations after conforming to new safety requirements. The country also has fuel cycle facilities, research reactors and widely uses nuclear and radiological applications in industry, hospitals and other fields.

Using IAEA safety standards and taking advantage of international good practices, IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national regulatory infrastructure, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear and radiation safety.

The IRRS team comprised 18 senior regulatory experts from 17 IAEA Member States: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. The mission team also included five IAEA staff members.

They reviewed all regulatory areas, except for control of medical exposure, including: responsibilities and functions of the government and of the regulatory body; emergency preparedness and response; nuclear power plants; research reactors; nuclear fuel cycle facilities; radiation sources; radioactive waste management facilities; decommissioning; transport of radioactive material; occupational exposure; public exposure control; and interfaces with nuclear security. 

The experts also conducted interviews and discussions with NRA staff and observed regulatory oversight activities at a nuclear power plant, a research reactor, a nuclear fuel cycle facility, radiation sources facilities, and a decommissioning facility. 

The team said the holding of joint review meetings with all nuclear operators to share and discuss the results of the NRA’s evaluation of emergency preparedness and response exercises was a good practice that could serve as a model globally. 

The experts also identified several good performances, including new regulatory requirements regarding ageing and long-term management, and the development of a national strategic plan that supports the long-term availability of qualified personnel across the nuclear sector. 

Recommendations and suggestions for further improvement of Japan’s regulatory system included:

  • The NRA can further strengthen its overall effectiveness by applying a graded – or proportionate – approach consistently across all regulatory functions. This approach is especially relevant to the licensing process.
  • Through a multi-year human resources strategy, the NRA can ensure that it maintains the specialized expertise required for independent and future regulation.  The Government can support in this regard by enabling the NRA to implement greater staff mobility and recruitment flexibility.
  • The NRA should strengthen the documentation and implementation of its management system.

Prior to the IRRS mission, the NRA conducted a self-assessment that “set a clear direction” for the team’s work, said team leader Tiippana: “Our mission confirmed and refined it. We think that the biggest gains will come from more proportionate and predictable oversight, long lasting specialist expertise, and pairing Japan’s exemplary openness with formats that enable frank, in depth technical dialogue with other stakeholders in the country’s nuclear sector”  

IAEA Deputy Director General Karine Herviou, Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, said Japan was demonstrating “a commendable commitment” to nuclear and radiation safety by inviting and hosting the mission.

 “The NRA has come a long way since it was founded just 14 years ago, firmly establishing itself as a robustly independent regulator,” said Herviou. “Improving nuclear safety is a never-ending task and I’m confident that Japan will continue on this path.” 

NRA Chairperson Shinsuke Yamanaka said: “The NRA has made progress in steadily implementing and continuously improving nuclear and radiation regulation. This IRRS mission was an invaluable opportunity to receive observations from international experts of nuclear and radiation safety. We will promptly apply the recommendations and suggestions from the mission to improve our regulatory activities.”

The final mission report will be provided to the Government of Japan in about three months. The Government plans to make the report public.

IAEA safety standards

The IAEA safety standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.