Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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Five reasons to visit the IAEA Visitor Centre
The IAEA's new Visitor Centre is a first-of-its-kind place to learn about how nuclear science and technology help solve global challenges.
October 1, 2025
The IAEA's new Visitor Centre is a first-of-its-kind place to learn about how nuclear science and technology help solve global challenges.
Visit the new IAEA Visitor Centre in Seibersdorf, Austria, and learn how nuclear science helps solve some of the world's most pressing challenges—from food security and the clean energy transition to combating climate change and protecting global health.
The center features 33 interactive exhibits, digital displays, and real-life examples that demonstrate how the IAEA works with countries around the world to put the "Atoms for Peace and Development" principle into practice.
Don't miss these five key interactive exhibits:
1. Radiation in everyday life
A visitor uses a Geiger counter to measure the radiation emitted by a potassium sample. This is an example of natural radioactivity.
Did you know that the human body contains potassium—in quantities sufficient to trigger some radiation detectors? Due to the presence of potassium-40, the human body is a small but constant source of natural radiation that sensitive devices can detect. Try out a Geiger counter at an interactive exhibit and learn what levels of radiation are considered safe. You'll also learn why radiation isn't just a concern for nuclear power plants, but is a natural part of the environment and even present in the human body.
2. Arsenal of tools: what tools does a warranty inspector have in his toolbox?
Visitors are presented with life-size figures of IAEA safeguards inspectors who explain the special tools they use during verification activities.
When visiting nuclear facilities around the world, IAEA inspectors carry specialized instruments to verify that nuclear material is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. All of these instruments are on display for the first time. You'll meet an inspector, and they—or rather, a life-size image of them on a display—will personally explain the purpose of each instrument. You can touch all the instruments, allowing you to see firsthand how the IAEA safeguards system builds trust and ensures international peace and security.
3. Ocean acidification in close-up
The Ocean Acidification exhibit's interactive display provides real-time information on how rising temperatures and changing pH levels are impacting corals and marine life.
Oceans sustain ecosystems, regulate weather, and provide livelihoods for more than three billion people. However, human activity is altering the oceans' chemistry. Seawater absorbs approximately 23% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity, making seawater acidity levels 30% higher than pre-industrial levels. This interactive exhibition showcases in real time how acidification weakens corals, threatens marine life, and disrupts the food chain, and also explores how nuclear technology is helping scientists study and address these issues.
4. What is the difference between nuclear safety and nuclear security?
Visitors to the Plant Breeding stand will learn how tiny doses of radiation can accelerate natural processes, enabling the development of disease-resistant, faster-growing crop varieties that contribute to improved food security.
Nuclear safety and security are essential for protecting people and the environment, but they achieve this goal in different ways. Nuclear safety helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of radiation exposure, while nuclear security aims to prevent theft, smuggling, and sabotage. Using interactive exhibits at the visitor center, you can test your knowledge and learn how the IAEA helps countries strengthen nuclear safety and security.
You can also visit Incident and Emergency Center— the IAEA's global focal point for emergency preparedness and response, operating 24 hours a day to provide advice and assistance to Member States in the unlikely event of a nuclear or radiological incident.
5. Breeding strong agricultural crops to improve food security
Visitors to the Plant Breeding stand will learn how tiny doses of radiation can accelerate natural processes, enabling the development of disease-resistant, faster-growing crop varieties that contribute to improved food security.
Can science help protect and improve staple crops? Nuclear techniques can accelerate the natural process of plant breeding, enabling the development of varieties that are resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. At the visitor center, you'll learn how these techniques are helping farmers adapt to climate change and how IAEA research is improving food security in many countries.
Plan your visit
The IAEA Visitor Center welcomes organized groups, offering free tours on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Tours last up to two hours and can be tailored to specific interests.
The center is open to everyone and designed with the needs of students and teachers in mind: teachers can request additional STEM materials to connect the center experience with the classroom. Organizational matters are simple and can be resolved upon registration. Free parking is available on site. Transportation assistance is available if needed.
For more information, visit website IAEA Visitor Centre and follow our social media channels, including the visitor center's Instagram account, where news and interesting facts are regularly published.
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.