Regional cooperation expands the application of nuclear science and technology.

The 48th RCA National Coordinators Conference emphasized the role of regional cooperation in promoting the application of nuclear science and technology for sustainable socio-economic development, particularly in the fields of health, agriculture, radiation technology, environment, and human resource development.

From May 19-22, 2026, the 48th RCA National Coordinators Conference was held in Mumbai, India, under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Indian Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). India officially assumed the RCA chairmanship for 2026.

The conference brought together representatives from member states of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology in the Asia-Pacific region (RCA), along with representatives from the IAEA, the RCA Regional Cooperation Office (RCARO), the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA), Papua New Guinea, and the African Regional Cooperation Agreement on Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) as observers.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the conference.

The Vietnamese delegation attending the Conference included Mr. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAAE), Vietnam's National RCA Coordinator, and Ms. Tran Ngoc Hoan, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department, VAAE.

Statements at the Conference emphasized the role of regional cooperation in promoting the application of nuclear science and technology for sustainable development, particularly in the fields of health, agriculture , radiation technology, environment, and human resource development.

DAE representatives also introduced some of their research and application activities in nuclear energy, and shared their direction for promoting cooperation within the RCA framework in the future.

Mr. R. Sampathkumar, representing the host country India, delivered the opening remarks at the Conference.

The 48th RCA National Coordinators Conference focused on discussing issues related to the implementation of the RCA program in 2025-2026; developing the RCA technical cooperation program for 2028-2029; RCARO activities; the plan to develop the RCA Regional Program Framework for 2030-2035; and solutions to enhance resource mobilization for RCA.

According to the RCA Focal Point report, in 2025, RCA implemented 14 technical cooperation projects in the fields of health , agriculture, industry, environment, and human resource development.

The program organized 17 regional training courses with over 430 participants, 12 technical meetings, and 4 regional workshops.

Some notable achievements include the development of e-learning materials on non-destructive testing in construction; the development of criteria to support ISO certification for radiation facilities; the development of a database on human resources in medical physics; and a series of online workshops on the application of artificial intelligence in medical physics with over 3,000 participants.

One of the key focuses of the Conference was to discuss the direction for developing the RCA program for the 2028-2029 period.

Based on the assessment report of the RCA Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), the Conference reviewed 14 proposed project ideas in the fields of health, environment, industry, radiation safety, irradiation technology, and nuclear power development.

The conference unanimously selected six priority proposals to be further refined and submitted to the IAEA for consideration in the next technical cooperation cycle, while emphasizing the need to enhance the practicality, interdisciplinary nature, and resource mobilization capabilities for future RCA projects.

Within the framework of the Conference, representatives from the countries chairing the RCA projects presented progress reports and results of the implementation of RCA projects in the fields of environment, health, industry, and agriculture.

The conference also heard a presentation of a Mongolian case study evaluating the effectiveness and impact of RCA projects on strengthening national technical capacity.

For Project RAS7040 on "Enhancing water resource management capacity through strengthening regional cooperation in environmental isotope analysis and application," Vietnam assumed the role of coordinating country during the 2022-2025 period. This activity contributed to strengthening regional capacity in applying isotope techniques for water resource monitoring and management; supporting the development of isotope and hydrochemistry databases; enhancing laboratory analytical capacity; and implementing monitoring of rainwater, surface water, and groundwater to support research on groundwater recharge, saltwater intrusion, and the impacts of climate change.

In addition, the program also supports strengthening QA/QC activities among laboratories in the region and promotes the formation of a cooperation network on isotopic hydrology. Based on this, member countries requested Vietnam to continue sharing its experience and practical lessons in promoting the integration of RCA initiatives with national programs at the 49th RCA National Coordinators Conference.

Mr. Tran Chi Thanh presented the RAS7040 project report.

A notable aspect of this year's conference is the participation of AFRA representatives as observers.

The conference acknowledged the potential for enhancing information exchange, sharing experiences, and promoting cooperation between RCA and AFRA in areas of mutual interest such as health, agriculture and food, irradiation technology, radiation safety, and nuclear power development.

The conference also acknowledged the contributions of the RCARO Office in enhancing RCA's image and presence, supporting human resource development, promoting gender equality, and mobilizing additional resources for RCA activities.

As part of the conference, delegates toured the DAE and the ACTREC Center at Tata Memorial Centre – one of India's leading facilities for cancer research, training, and treatment.

Through this program, delegates have the opportunity to learn about India's research capabilities, applications of nuclear technology in medicine, radiation technology, and human resource development in the field of nuclear energy.

The organizers also set up an exhibition area showcasing India's outstanding achievements in nuclear energy applications, particularly in irradiation technology for agricultural export quarantine, textile wastewater treatment, and nuclear medicine…

Delegates toured the Proton Radiotherapy Center and the Exhibition area.

At the conclusion of the Conference, member countries affirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation within the RCA framework, promote the sharing of experiences among member states, and expand cooperation with other regional cooperation mechanisms to enhance the effective application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/hop-tac-khu-vuc-mo-rong-ung-dung-khcn-hat-nhan-19726052517230773.htm