Workshop on establishing IAEA-VINATOM Collaborating Center for Environmental Studies in Vietnam

     Within the framework of the cooperation program between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), a workshop on establishing IAEA-VINATOM Collaborating Center for Environmental Studies in Vietnam took place in July 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The workshop focused on guidance for the Collaborating Center construction in the field of nuclear and isotope technology applications in environmental and climate change-related research.

     The workshop was attended by IAEA expert David Osborn, Head of the Division of IAEA Environment Laboratories, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications; leaders and experts in the field of nuclear technology applications from Vietnamese organizations, including Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST), Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements, Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, Nuclear Training Center,  and VNU University of Science . VINATOM Vice President Tran Ngoc Toan chaired the workshop.

Participants at the workshop

     Participating in the workshop, Mr. David Osborn is expected to have a comprehensive overview of the performance of laboratories in Vietnam and then give constructive ideas about the establishment of the IAEA-VINATOM Collaborating Center.

       In order to provide an informative introduction of research laboratories and organizations in Vietnam, and the issue of the Collaborating Center foundation as well, several presentations were delivered at the workshop.

       The INST participants contributed three reports, including:

- Scientific activities and typical results of Center for Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring and Impact Assessment; 

- Significant findings in particulate matter air pollution research using nuclear and related techniques;

- Estimation of settling velocity of marine sediment particles employing nuclear techniques.

       Two other reports by Vietnamese participants were then presented:

- Some major results of radioisotope usage applications in marine environmental studies (Institute of Marine Environment and Resources);

- The orientation of establishment and operation of the IAEA-VINATOM Collaborating Center for Environmental Studies in Vietnam (Nuclear Training Center, VINATOM).

       The IAEA expert also made a presentation entitled:

- The use of nuclear and isotopic techniques at IAEA Environment Laboratories, especially the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco.

       Following the presentations, the workshop participants went on quick visits to INST laboratories: Environmental Radiation Analysis Laboratories, Isotope Hydrology Laboratory, Operation Center for Environmental Radiation Monitoring and Early Warning Network, and Hanoi-NuTEC Center.

Isotope Hydrology Laboratory visit 

A quick visit to Operation Center for Environmental Radiation Monitoring and Early Warning Network

     Through the informative presentations and laboratory visits, Mr. David Osborn showed his appreciation for Vietnam’s achievements in nuclear technology applications in environmental research in recent years. He then briefly discussed with Vietnamese participants proposed research activities for the Collaborating Center.

     On the basis of considerable discussion, constructive ideas as well as mutual agreements at the workshop, all the participants hoped that the IAEA-VINATOM Collaborating Center for Environmental Studies in Vietnam could be soon founded and put into operation. This enables Vietnam to strengthen its position in the region and the world in the field of nuclear technology applications in environmental and climate change-related research. Especially for young researchers, the establishment of the Center provides them with a forum to share experience, exchange information as well as update latest research findings so that they can enhance their research and application development capabilities.