Atoms in Industry: Rays of hope for development

What are the uses of radiation technology, and what benefits does it bring to our lives? The public has little awareness of how widespread the use of nuclear techniques is beyond the generation of power and cancer therapy. This year's Scientific Forum, to be held on 14 and 15 September 2015 on the margins of the 59th IAEA General Conference, will showcase how radiation technologies are used in a broad range of industries. Entitled 'Atoms in Industry — Radiation Technology for Development' and bringing together experts, industry leaders and researchers, the Forum will examine best industry practices from around the globe and serve as a platform to exchange ideas on how these technologies can be applied to propel development efforts. "Helping countries to benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear technology is a central area of the IAEA's work. Our assistance covers areas including human and animal health, food security, water management, electricity generation, and environmental protection — to name just a few," said IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. In 2014, over 130 countries received support through the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, and while nuclear technology is often equated with nuclear power in the eyes of the general public, 80% of IAEA Member States are in fact non-nuclear power countries.