Securing a better future for all: Nuclear techniques for global development and environmental protection. NA factsheet on coordinated research activities: Uniting the world through research

The IAEA's programme of coordinated research activities has been designed to stimulate and coordinate the undertaking of research in selected nuclear fields by scientists in IAEA Member States. The programme brings together scientists in research institutes in both developing and developed IAEA and FAO Member States to collaborate on research topics of common interest. Research, technical and doctoral contracts and cost free research agreements are awarded to Member State institutes for completion of designated research work. For each contract or agreement, one institute staff member is designated as the chief scientific investigator responsible for the progress of the research work. Preference is given to younger and to female researchers. Through contracts and agreements with institutes in Member States, the coordinated research projects (CRPs) are implemented. Each CRP is a network of 10 to 15 institutes that work in coordination towards achieving the research objectives set by the design of the CRP. The research is conducted at the participating institutes identified in the research contracts and agreements of the CRP. The IAEA acts as the sponsoring and coordinating body whereby an IAEA staff member - or project officer - is assigned to lead each CRP, which normally lasts between 3 and 5 years. A few years ago, a new type of CRP, called a 'doctoral CRP,' was introduced whereby PhD students in developing countries are paired with professors in developed country research institutions. The research encourages the acquisition and dissemination of new knowledge and technology generated through the use of nuclear technologies and isotopic techniques in the various fields of work covered by the IAEA's mandate. The majority of CRP topics are concentrated in the areas of nuclear sciences and applications in agriculture, human health, industry, hydrology and terrestrial and marine environments. However, CRPs related to nuclear energy and economic studies, waste technology, radiation and radioactive waste safety and nuclear security are also covered by the programme. The results of the CRPs are made available free to Member States and to the international scientific community via the IAEA's scientific and technical publications, as well as through other relevant national and international journals.