UN Nuclear Watchdog Launches Peaceful Nuke Project

UN Nuclear Watchdog Launches New Project For Peaceful Use Of Technology

Furthering its mission to harness nuclear technology for peaceful uses, the UN watchdog entrusted with preventing the spread of nuclear weapons has launched a pilot project for collaboration with distinguished institutions around the world for research on such issues as plant breeding and genetics.

China's Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences at Zhejiang University became the first partner in November, and more institutions worldwide are expected to be designated next year in the so-called Collaborating Centre programme, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) announced in a news release today.

IAEA Deputy Director General Werner Burkart, head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, called China's collaboration with the agency and its Joint Division with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the fields of food and agriculture "a significant event in the new scheme."

The Collaboration Centre programme is beginning on a trial basis on a three-year maximum work plan at no cost to the IAEA. It draws on the experience of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and FAO, which have established global networks of cooperative centres. It is designed to publicly recognize the work designated institutions are doing in support of the IAEA's mission for research, development and training in peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.

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