Are you a young professional interested in safety and sustainability in radioactive waste management, decommissioning, environmental protection, and remediation? Do you want an opportunity to engage directly with international waste experts from industries and policymaking? Are you eager to receive feedback and guidance on your research and contribute to discussions on safety and sustainability? The IAEA wants to hear from you!
Students, researchers or young professionals, aged 35 or under, have until 02 June 2023 to submit abstracts for the IAEA Conference on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, Decommissioning, and Environmental Protection and Remediation 2023.
"The event will be a unique opportunity for entry level professionals to be mentored and receive guidance on their work and research activities from international experts and industry representatives," said Diego Telleria, one of the Scientific Secretaries for the Conference. "By embracing and promoting the younger generation, we are transferring expertise, facilitating growth and accelerating knowledge."
Candidates wishing to submit their papers can focus on any of the themes listed on the conference web page. The topics of discussion call for the participation of young people from diverse disciplines related to the industries targeted by the event.
Original submissions are particularly encouraged, as the IAEA is eager to collect innovative ideas, views, and practical solutions to integrate sustainability and safety in radioactive waste management, environmental protection, decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and remediation, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Safety constitutes an essential part of sustainability as it ensures that the use of ionising radiation does not impede the well-being of people and the environment. However, safety alone may not be sufficient to fully enable a sustainable application of nuclear science and technology in areas such as healthcare, industry, energy, and agriculture.
Sharing pragmatic approaches and exploring mechanisms to manage the relationship between safety and sustainability is the aim of the Conference, scheduled to take place at the IAEA's headquarters in Vienna from 6 to 10 November 2023.
"The radiation safety and sustainable development communities don't always work closely together," said Anna Clark, Head of the IAEA Waste and Environmental Safety Section, adding that, "this event aims to initiate the necessary dialogue between the safety and sustainability communities and how the two can meet and design solutions on the ground."
Young professionals will play a prominent role in the Conference with specific youth events designed for them to showcase their work and engage directly with government officials, representatives from industry, civil society, and academic institutions. Successful applicants who have submitted outstanding papers may be given an opportunity to present their works and ideas at this event.
The IAEA offers many opportunities for young people to share their vision and ideas at events. As safety and sustainability are an intergenerational responsibility, young people are called to contribute to the development of future policies to ensure the safe and sustainable use of nuclear science and technologies.
If this opportunity aligns with your interest and background, we encourage you to submit your abstract or research proposal of approximately 150-200 words, in English language and in electronic format, to the Conference's online portal by 02 June 2023. Accepted candidates will be notified at the end of June 2023.
To encourage young participation, the IAEA offers 10 grants as a subsidy for accommodation and travelling expenses.
Women and nationals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
