Alternative Technologies Meeting

The ‘Ad Hoc Meeting of Stakeholder States Involved with Technological Alternatives to High-Risk Radioactive Sources’ was held between 14 and 18 June 2021. The meeting sponsored by the United States, France and Germany but attracts international participation.

Participants exchanged views and shared experiences on transitioning to alternative technologies. The meeting included representatives of governments, end-users, NGOs, industry organizations and other stakeholders.

Discussions were wide ranging and included a review of the impact of alternative technologies on a variety of applications including blood irradiation, cancer therapy and sterilisation.

WINS hosted day 4 which focused on “How to Make Alternative Technology Implementation Successful”. WINS invited iia to contribute to the discussion where we reported on developments in industrial sterilisation and the need for access to all irradiation technologies.

The meeting acknowledged that support for end of life management of radiological material was important when transitioning to an alternative technology. Meeting participants were encourage to review the 2018 IAEA supplementary Guidance on the Management of Disused Radiological Material.

At the start of the meeting the National Academies of Science presented their new Report on Radioactive Sources and Alternative Technologies – see iia news item dated 14 June 2021.

Engaging with government and regulatory agencies is important as it provides an opportunity to represent the interest of our community and learn of trends and future plans which could present future opportunities or challenges.