Category: IAEA

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Home
News
2025 Results: The Most Read Materials in the IAEA's Nuclear What's What Series

December 30, 2025

Emma Midgley, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

In 2025, many visitors to the IAEA website were attracted by our scientific and technical materials on the use of nuclear energy, as well as nuclear science and technology.

1. Deepening understanding of nuclear energy

In 2025, one of the most popular materials on the IAEA website was the article "What is nuclear energy?"From it, readers learned how, thanks to the splitting of atoms, it is possible to generate environmentally friendly energy without greenhouse gas emissions.

Most nuclear reactors currently in operation use uranium as fuel. Read the article "What is uranium?", which will help you learn how uranium is mined and processed and why an amount of uranium fuel the size of a chicken egg produces as much energy as 88 tons of coal.

2. Progress in nuclear technology

The use of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a means of powering data centers for artificial intelligence systems is a topic of much discussion, and an article exploring this and other types of advanced nuclear reactors has become one of the most read stories of 2025.

In the article "What are molten salt reactors?" It discusses how passive safety systems in these types of reactors can improve the safety of nuclear power plants and how such reactors are designed to accommodate new types of fuel, in particular thorium.

3. Thermonuclear fusion: one step closer?

Nuclear fusion continues to be seen as a key energy goal, offering a potentially inexhaustible source of clean, greenhouse-gas-free energy. In 2025, the article "What is nuclear fusion?" remained among the site's most-read materials. From this article, readers learned about the development of nuclear fusion worldwide, as well as its differences from the nuclear fission reaction used in traditional reactors.

4. Peaceful applications outside the energy sector

Beyond energy, the IAEA helps countries harness the benefits of nuclear science and technology in medicine, agriculture, and food. In our material about isotopes explains how scientists use isotopes to determine the age and quality of water resources around the world and track environmental pollution. material on radiopharmaceuticals The discussion focuses on how radioisotopes can be used to treat or diagnose cancer and cardiovascular diseases. material about cyclotrons Explains how these important radioisotopes are produced.

In the IAEA materials dedicated to food irradiation and the role of nuclear methods in the fight against soil erosion, explains how nuclear techniques can also help improve food security and agricultural sustainability.

5. Nuclear safety and security

Nuclear safety and security are among the IAEA's most important areas of work. They enable people to benefit from nuclear technology and protect themselves and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. In 2025, the material "What is radiation?" Readers learned about the different types of radiation and its uses in healthcare, energy, agriculture, and industry, as well as safety measures that can protect people from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Those who want to explore this issue in more depth will be interested in the material about universal symbol for ionizing radiation (in English). It explains how international standardization helps raise public awareness of the risks associated with ionizing radiation, thereby reducing the risk of accidental exposure.

6. A two-billion-year-old nuclear reactor

Finally, the story of Oklo, a natural nuclear reactor in Gabon, captured the imagination of many readers. The article describes how, long before the first dinosaurs appeared, natural nuclear reactions occurred in uranium deposits in western Equatorial Africa. Read more about this in the article. Oklo, the only known natural nuclear reactor on Earth, is two billion years old..

The demand for these materials demonstrates the world's commitment to exploring nuclear science and technology to reap its benefits in areas such as clean energy, improved human health, agricultural development, innovation, and many other fields.

Check out other content in the Nuclear What's What series, as well as videos and podcasts in this series. Here.

Specimens from Oklo, donated to the Natural History Museum of Vienna. Photo: Ludovic Ferrière/Natural History Museum

Related resources

Read more

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Each element has its own chemical fingerprint. This fingerprint is based on its atomic composition: neutrons, protons, and electrons. Atoms with the same number of protons and different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes—they allow scientists to determine whether a product is genuine.

The ratio of stable isotopes in food products can vary depending on various factors, such as time, region, and environmental conditions in which the product was produced. For example, isotope analysis can be used to determine the isotopic composition of carbon contained in honey. This allows for the detection of adulterated honey containing added sugar or syrup. According to Russian research, isotope analysis of oxygen and hydrogen can serve as an indicator of the geographical origin of honey, since the biological materials (nectar) in honey are characterized by the same ratio of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes as local water.

Stable isotopes can be measured using specialized equipment that detects minute differences in the ratio of their heavy and light forms. This information can be used to determine the origin of food products. Stable isotope ratios act like nature's "fingerprint" on food products. This information allows us to determine whether the products we buy have been adulterated or whether they contain the genuine ingredients listed on the label. By tracking these isotopic fingerprints, scientists can also determine the geographical or botanical origin of foods.

Isotopes also make it possible to detect adulteration or complete substitution of food products with cheap ingredients that have identical chemical structures but different isotopic fingerprints. For example, they can help detect the use of synthetic flavors instead of natural ones; high-fructose corn syrup in honey; or orange juice made from concentrate instead of freshly squeezed.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Two Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been operating at reduced capacity for the past ten days after a military attack damaged an electrical substation critical for nuclear safety and security, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

Substations are critical nodes in a country's electrical grid, serving as facilities where voltage levels are transformed and controlled to ensure reliable power transmission. For nuclear power plants (NPPs), they are indispensable for maintaining off-site power supplies that support safety systems and cooling functions, making their integrity vital for nuclear safety and security.

Following the latest military activity targeting a substance, during the night of November 7, the Khmelnitskyy and Rivne NPPs were each disconnected from one of their two 750 kilovolt (kV) power lines. In addition, the grid operator ordered a reduction in electricity output of some of their reactors.

Today, although one of the affected lines has since been restored, the other remains out of service. Three reactors continue to operate at limited power, at the request of the grid operator.

"Reliable off-site power is vital for the maintenance and operation of nuclear safety functions. To this end, Agency experts will, through dedicated expert missions, continue to assess the functionality of substances critical for nuclear safety and security," Director General Grossi said.

The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains connected to the grid after repairs carried out under the protection of IAEA-brokered localized ceasefires in late October and ten days ago.

Ending a month-long outage of off-site power, this has allowed the resumption of maintenance of the plant's safety systems.

However, one of the two off-site power lines that were re-connected thanks to the recent repairs – the 750 kilovolt (kV) Dniprovska line – was again disconnected on Friday evening after the actuation of a protection system. The cause is still being investigated. The IAEA is engaging with both sides to assist in the timely restoration of the line, Director General Grossi said.

The IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive program of assistance to Ukraine in nuclear safety and security.

As part of the program, the IAEA completed partial deliveries of items to the Joint Stock Company Mykolaivoblenergo consisting of electrical cabinets, circuit breakers surge arresters and similar items needed to maintain a reliable power supply for the safe operation of Ukraine's NPPs. Additional items, that are still in production, will be delivered in the coming months. These deliveries were possible with the support from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union.

In addition, the South Ukraine NPP received 12 gamma dose rate monitoring stations intended to enhance its radiation monitoring capability. The stations, once in operation, will feed also the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) with monitoring data, providing information on the radiological situation on the ground in the plant's normal operation and during an accident. The delivery was supported by the European Union.

Ukraine's Central Enterprise for the Management of Radioactive Waste received IT equipment and the Chornobyl NPP received an off-road vehicle. Both deliveries were funded by the United Kingdom and aimed at enhancing nuclear security measures at the two sites.

These deliveries brought the total organized during the conflict by the IAEA to 174, amounting to over €20.5 million.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Home
News
IAEA study finds benefits of AI-based contouring for cancer patients

An IAEA coordinated research project has demonstrated how AI can expand access to radiotherapy worldwide.

December 19, 2025

Peter Lee, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

Lisbeth Cordero Mendes, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications

A radiation oncologist contours a patient's head and neck tumors. Photo: G. Ferraris

A 23-country study demonstrates the safety and benefits of using artificial intelligence in a key and often most labor-intensive step of the cancer treatment process: mapping organs at risk. By adding unique data from low- and middle-income countries to the growing body of scientific evidence, the IAEA Coordinated Research Project (ELAISA study) shows how this technology can expand access to radiotherapy worldwide.

Contouring tumors and surrounding healthy tissue (organs at risk) is essential for the optimal, safe, and effective use of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. However, differences in how different specialists perform contouring (i.e., interobserver variability) can impact both the accuracy and consistency of radiation therapy planning. Previous studies have suggested that instructor-led training workshops can reduce interobserver variability.

Nearly half of cancer patients require radiation therapy at some point, yet access to this type of treatment is underutilized worldwide, in part due to a shortage of clinically trained specialists. According to Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiation Therapy and Theranostics, led by the IAEA, more than 84,000 radiation oncologists will be needed to meet the global demand for cancer treatment, which will be 35.2 million new cases by 2050. “This figure includes an increase of more than 60% in the number of radiation oncologists in 2022,” says the director of IAEA Division of Human Health and commission co-chair May Abdel-Wahab. "As cancer incidence and treatment complexity increase, radiation oncologists will have to dedicate even more time to delineating cancerous tissue and surrounding healthy tissue in settings where their capabilities are already limited."

AI is being considered as an adjunct in the treatment of head and neck cancer

To address these challenges in radiation oncology, the IAEA has explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in head and neck cancer delineation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

AI-based algorithms have shown promising results in automatic structure delineation (autosegmentation), but this has primarily been observed in retrospective studies. Until recently, the actual clinical benefit in the context of LMICs and in terms of interobserver variability remained largely unexplored.

"Using AI to assist with contouring could be an important tool to improve the efficiency of radiation oncologists," Abdel-Wahab notes.

With the participation of radiation oncologists from 22 countries

The IAEA study involved approximately 100 radiation oncologists from 22 different radiotherapy centres in Azerbaijan, Albania, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, North Macedonia, Sudan, Tunisia and Uganda, while Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark provided data on 16 head and neck cancer cases.

During the study, radiation oncologists were randomly divided into two groups: one group used AI to delineate organs at risk, while the other used manual methods. Following an IAEA online workshop on AI-assisted delineation, both groups continued tumor delineation, first using their original approach and then using AI. Six months later, the final phase of the study, using AI, took place.

Improving the quality of contouring using AI

Results from the IAEA Coordinated Research Project demonstrated that AI can not only improve the quality of contouring by significantly reducing interobserver variability, but also reduce the time it takes to complete the contouring process, even without prior instruction. Instruction only improved the quality of contouring for two at-risk organs, but it significantly enhanced the time savings associated with AI-based contouring. This effect was also observed over time during short- and long-term studies of the instructor-led workshop.

“ELAISA study "This study shows that training combined with AI-assisted contouring was the most effective strategy for reducing the time it takes to contour," explains Jesper Grau Eriksen, Professor of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and one of the lead researchers on the project. "When used appropriately, the safe implementation of AI-based contouring tools could save resources and enable more radiation oncologists, particularly those in LMIC settings, to care for even more patients."

The results of the study were published in the journal "Global Oncology" and presented at annual meetings European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology.

Related news

Related resources

Read more

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

One of the key elements of the training was the use of the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRIS). Participants uploaded data collected on-site to a secure training platform and learned to visualize and analyze the results to develop skills for rapid decision-making during nuclear or radiological emergencies.

"Training in real-world conditions, where radiation levels can be measured and emergency response scenarios can be simulated, allows students to develop skills that are impossible to acquire through purely theoretical study," says Ervieu. "This approach is particularly useful for countries like Ukraine, where the ability to quickly and effectively respond to radiological incidents is crucial."

Participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Ukraine participated in the international workshop, demonstrating the IAEA's commitment to building capacity across various regions. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a long-standing partner in the IAEA's emergency preparedness activities, continues to support these efforts, ensuring that lessons from the Fukushima Daiichi accident are incorporated into international standards and practices.

The IAEA plans to organize additional workshops in Japan in the future, including a RANET Joint Assistance Team exercise and a workshop on public communications in nuclear emergencies, covering countering the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

"The partnership between the IAEA, Japan, and participating countries plays a vital role in strengthening global nuclear safety," says Ervieu. "Through joint training in Fukushima, we are preparing to address challenges that transcend borders."

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Persistent instability in Ukraine's electrical grid continues to challenge nuclear safety during the military conflict, at times causing disruptions in the availability of off-site power for the country's main nuclear sites, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Early in the morning of 6 December, at 3:21am, the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered yet another loss of all off-site power – its 11th during the conflict – lasting for about half an hour when both of its remaining power lines were disconnected within 20 minutes of one another.

At the time of the event, all available emergency diesel generators (EDGs) on site automatically started up to generate the electricity the plant needs to operate the water pumps used for reactor cooling and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions.

“While the emergency backup system is functioned as designed, repeated loss of off-site power events increases operational stress and highlights the importance of maintaining reliable off-site power,” Director General Grossi said.

While the 330 kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to the ZNPP after just 29 minutes, the 750 kV Dniprovska main power line was restored nine hours later. Earlier in the autumn, the ZNPP went for one month without any off-site power, the longest such event during the conflict.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, widespread military activities last Saturday also affected the grid and external power supplies to the three operating nuclear power plants (NPPs), prompting them to reduce the output of several reactors.

"These disruptions have resulted in fluctuating power outputs, temporary disconnections, and forced outages at some units. In several cases, units were taken off-line or operated at reduced capacity to maintain grid balance and prevent equipment damage following sudden protection actuations," Director General Grossi said.

“In terms of nuclear safety and security, the fragile grid and power situation remains one of the biggest challenges. As the Seven Indispensable Pillarsfor ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict clearly state: there must be a secure off-site power supply from the grid for all nuclear sites. “All too often, this is far from the reality that our experts see on the ground,” he said.

On a more positive note, the operating NPPs' nuclear safety systems have continued to function as intended, and emergency power supplies remain fully available. The IAEA teams based at Ukraine's nuclear sites continue to monitor conditions closely and maintain communication with operators.

As part of the IAEA's ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict, an IAEA team is this month visiting more than 10 electrical substances, following recent attacks targeting key energy infrastructure. The 1-12 December mission is assessing the damage, reviewing repair efforts, and identifying practical steps to strengthen the resilience of off-site power supplies to the country's NPPs.

At the ZNPP on 5 December, the IAEA team observed an EDG test. At the full-load stage during the test, a smoke cloud and flames of up to a few meters high were suddenly seen shooting up from the EDG building's exhausted chimney. The flames subsided after one-two minutes. The IAEA team was informed that the fire was caused by the ignition of accumulated soot in the exhaust system, that had been piled up during its prolonged operation during the October-November loss of off-site power event. After test completion, the team was informed by the ZNPP that it had been successful and that the EDG was put back to standby mode. The IAEA team later visited the EDG building and did not notice any issues with respect to nuclear safety.

As part of the IAEA's comprehensive program of assistance, the physical protection department of Ukraine's Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management received four all-terrain vehicles. The delivery was funded by the United Kingdom.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

An IAEA team is criss-crossing Ukraine this month to assess the status of electrical substations critical for nuclear safety and security, following recent military attacks targeting energy infrastructure, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The 1-12 December visit will focus on more than ten substations – essential nodes in the electrical grid related to the nuclear power plants (NPPs) – to assess the damage, review repair efforts, and identify practical steps to strengthen the resilience of off-site power supplies to the country's NPPs, three of which are still operating to generate electricity.

It is the latest of several such expert missions since September last year, when the substances became increasingly affected by the military conflict.

"These substances are essential for nuclear safety and security. They are absolutely indispensable for providing the electricity all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems. They are also needed to distribute the electricity that they produce to households and industry," Director General Grossi said.

Previous IAEA missions to the substances have highlighted a continued degradation of the grid and increased challenges to the transmission infrastructure. Substations serve as facilities where voltage levels are transformed and controlled for reliable power transmission. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation from a nuclear safety and security perspective.

Last week, another IAEA team completed a comprehensive safety assessment of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl site, which was severely damaged in a drone strike in February. This event also caused a major fire in the outer cladding of the massive steel structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident.

The mission confirmed that the NSC had lost its primary safety functions, including the confinement capability, but also found that there was no permanent damage to its load-bearing structures or monitoring systems.

“Limited temporary repairs have been carried out on the roof, but timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety,” Director General Grossi said.

Based on the mission findings, the IAEA recommends further restoration and protective work of the NSC structure, including humidity control measures and an updated corrosion monitoring program, as well as an upgrade of an integrated monitoring system for the shelter object structure automatic built on top of the reactor immediately after the accident.

In 2026, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Chornobyl site will undertake additional temporary repairs to support the re-establishment of the NSC's confinement function, paving the way for full restoration once the conflict ends.

“The IAEA – which has a team permanently at the site – will continue to do everything it can to support efforts to fully restore nuclear safety and security at the Chornobyl site,” Director General Grossi said.

As part of the comprehensive program of assistance, the Agency arranged three new deliveries of equipment and supplies to Ukraine, bringing the total to 188 since the start of the conflict. The medical unit at the Chornobyl NPP site received medications and the Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management received various personal protective equipment. The deliveries were supported with funds from the European Union and the United Kingdom.

With these deliveries the total value of the equipment and supplies, needed for nuclear safety and security, that reached Ukraine since the start of the armed conflict exceeds 21 million euros.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Efforts to facilitate the repair of the 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 power line at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) are ongoing, following the discovery last week of additional damage to the line during thesuccessful reconnection of the plant to Ukraine's power grid, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

During repair work to restore off-site power to the plant – ending a full month without external electricity – the IAEA confirmed the detection of additional damage to the back-up Ferosplavna-1 line located about 1.8 kilometres from the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant's switchyard.

Negotiation efforts are now focused on the full restoration of the Ferosplavna-1 power line, one of ten lines the ZNPP had access to prior to the conflict. This line, along with the recently restored Dniprovska line, was one of the two remaining lines used by the plant. Ferosplavna-1 was lost on May 7, while the Dniprovska line was disconnected late last month. Both sides have attributed the damage to ongoing military activity in the region.

"We continue to work intensively to support the conditions needed for this additional repair work to begin. Restoring this power line is essential to improving the fragile nuclear safety and security situation at the site," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Although the plant's six reactors have been shut down for more than three years and are not generating electricity, they still require a stable power supply to operate essential safety systems, including cooling pumps and other nuclear safety and security equipment. Over the past month, these systems were powered by emergency diesel generators, underscoring the plant's continued vulnerability amid the conflict.

Separately, the IAEA has been informed of military activity in Ukraine early this morning that has led to damage to substances critical to nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. Following this, IAEA teams at both South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (SUNPP) and Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant (KhNPP) have reported that each of the plants have lost access to one of their off-site power lines. Furthermore, the IAEA team at the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have reported that the plant has reduced the power of two of its four units at the request of the grid operator. The team at KhNPP also had to shelter at their hotel for several hours this morning.

“The dangers to nuclear safety continue to be very real and ever-present,” said Director General Grossi. “I once again call for maximum military restraint in the vicinity of nuclear facilities and full respect of theseven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security.”

The IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive program of assistance to Ukraine in nuclear safety and security. In October, the Agency delivered a package of support under the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO), established in response to the catastrophic flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023. As part of this package, Ukrainian Meteorological Institute received a high precision isotopic water analyzer to support Ukraine's environmental and hydrological monitoring efforts. Staff of the Institute also received training in Vienna on how to build essential skills for practical application and operation of the received analyzer in support of conducting accurate isotopic analyzes of water samples. The assistance was funded with support from Japan.

ISAMKO is designed to strengthen Ukraine's capacity to address the environmental, health, and infrastructural impacts of the disaster. The program includes the procurement of equipment and supplies, technical advice, and capacity building in key areas such as civil structure integrity, food and water safety, public and animal health, and agricultural recovery.

Previous deliveries under ISAMKO includediagnostic equipment for the Kherson Regional Clinical Hospital,radiation monitoring equipment for the South Ukrainian Geological Company and the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province received agenerator and a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding.

“The IAEA is helping Ukraine not only uphold nuclear safety and security, but also respond to the environmental and health impacts of the Kakhovka dam flooding,” said Director General Grossi. “Even amid war, building national capacity with nuclear-derived tools is essential to protect people and ecosystems.”

The training delivered for the staff of the Ukrainian Meteorological Institute is the first in a series of trainings already planned for different ISAMKO benefits, with three additional training events planned in the coming months.

Further to this assistance work under ISAMKO, the IAEA continued its deliveries related to nuclear safety and security and medical assistance, bringing the total to 169 shipments of essential equipment and supplies to Ukraine since the start of the armed conflict.

As part of these deliveries, the SUNPP received personal protective equipment and medical units at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP), and RNPP and SUNPP received various medical supplies. The Slavutych City Hospital, the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine (NRCRM), Varash Hospital, and South Ukraine City Hospital, providing medical care for the NPP personnel, received a range of medical equipment and supplies.

All these deliveries were made possible through funding from Italy, Japan, and Sweden. With these deliveries, priority equipment and supplies worth over €20 million has reached Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Home
News
The IAEA has released its annual report for 2024.

It presents the IAEA's activities in nuclear science and technology, security and safety, safeguards, energy, technical cooperation, and the Agency's achievements over the past year in a global context.

October 30, 2025

Emma Midgley, Public Information and Communications Bureau

The IAEA's 2024 annual report is now available to read. online in all official UN languages. Today, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi presented his annual report for 2024 to the United Nations General Assembly.

“In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly interconnected world, the International Atomic Energy Agency serves as a hub for scientific potential, international cooperation, and innovation, while remaining mindful of its role as a nuclear non-proliferation watchdog,” writes IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the foreword to the annual report.

“In 2024, we expanded and strengthened our support to Member States, helping them use nuclear science and technology to achieve their development goals and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he adds.

The report covers the IAEA's activities in nuclear science and technology, security and safety, safeguards, and technical cooperation, as well as the Agency's achievements over the past year in a global context. Some of the Agency's key achievements for 2024 are presented below.

Flagship initiatives deliver results worldwide

In 2024, the IAEA's flagship initiatives supported countries in the areas of public health, food security, and environmental protection through the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, while respecting the principles of nuclear safety and security.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet radiation therapy—which nearly half of patients require—remains unavailable to many. To address this issue, the IAEA's initiative Rays of Hope vital equipment for cancer treatment was delivered to many countries, and the network support centers — centers of excellence in cancer care — was expanded, bringing their number to 11.

As part of the Integrated Action to Combat Zoonotic Diseases initiative (ZODIAC) work continued to strengthen preparedness to combat zoonoses worldwide – 151 Member States have appointed national focal points, and ZODIAC laboratories are operating in 129 Member States. A cloud platform, whose goal is to develop international cooperation to improve methods for detecting respiratory diseases based on big data technologies.

Through the Nuclear to Fight Plastic Pollution Initiative (NUTEK Plastics) the first scientific research mission to Antarctica was organized, which used marine monitoring techniques to detect microplastics even in this remote corner of the planet. This initiative demonstrated the potential of using radiation technologies for the recycling of plastic waste at pilot facilities in Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

In cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the IAEA supports Member States in strengthening food security. Last year, as part of a joint IAEA-FAO initiative Atoms4Food A comprehensive plan was developed to improve the accessibility of nuclear technologies for the sustainable transformation of agricultural and food systems. Conducting assessment missions within the initiative will help ensure that such support is tailored to national needs.

Nuclear energy and the fight against climate change

In March 2024, the first ever European Union meeting took place in Brussels. Nuclear Energy Summit attended by more than 30 senior officials, which was aimed at highlighting the role of nuclear energy in enabling the clean energy transition by 2024.

At KS-29 in Baku The expansion of nuclear energy has gained further momentum. Currently, 31 countries intend to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050—a milestone achieved at the Climate Change Conference, when six more countries committed to achieving this goal.

The IAEA has been working for the fourth year in a row raises its forecasts for nuclear capacity expansion.

Through the IAEA initiative Atoms4NetZero Through the organization of workshops and training courses, countries are provided with the opportunity to fully assess the potential of nuclear energy in the context of achieving zero emissions through modelling of energy development scenarios.

Supporting innovation in SMR, nuclear fusion, and artificial intelligence

In 2024, acting on its own MMR platforms And Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiatives The IAEA continued to provide support for the safe deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). This included workshops on business models, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory harmonization.

The agency continued its work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), launching research projects, including in the field of human health, and publishing A guide to using generative AIIn addition, the Agency is developing options for using AI to enhance safeguards capabilities and reactor design analysis.

The IAEA promoted international cooperation in the field of nuclear fusion by organizing the first meeting in Rome World Fusion Energy Group At the ministerial level, this platform brings together a broad range of representatives from the public and private sectors, industry organizations, academia, and civil society into a cohesive global community of fusion enthusiasts.

Nuclear and physical safety and verification

The IAEA conducted over 3,000 on-site verification activities at over 1,300 facilities, issuing safeguards opinions for 175 of the 190 States with safeguards agreements in force with the Agency for which safeguards were applied in 2024.

The agency retained its presence in Ukraine, doing important work in the country in the field of nuclear and physical safety.

In Japan, the IAEA continued its safety review of dumping activities water purified using the ALPS system, at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and confirmed that the tritium level there is significantly below operational limits.

Nuclear Science Education and Laboratory Modernization

IN Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 760 people took part in the program for young women who want to obtain a master's degree and complete an internship in the nuclear field. Through the Lise Meitner Program The third session of the visiting specialist program aimed at enhancing the career potential of women in the nuclear field was organized in the Republic of Korea.

In 2024, as part of the initiative ReNuAL The modernization of the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf continued, and at the end of the year the newly renovated Dosimetry Laboratory was put into operation.

In 2025, the M. S. Curie-L. Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre was opened, marking the successful completion of a project to modernize the IAEA's nuclear science and applications laboratories to strengthen support to Member States in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

You can read or download the IAEA annual report for 2024HereThe report is also available at English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese And French languages.

Related resources

Read more

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 3, 2025

Monika Shifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening session of the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy (Photo: H.Shaffer).

Global energy and technology leaders are gathering this week at IAEA headquarters in Vienna for the first ever International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Nuclear Energy. The two-day event is bringing together senior representatives from government ministries, international organizations, the nuclear industry and major tech firms — including Google and Oracle — to discuss how nuclear energy can help meet the surging electricity demand of AI data centers, and how AI can support nuclear technology development.

The two-day event kicked off today and the program and Livestream are available on the IAEA website.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said at the opening ceremony:

“Two forces are reshaping humanity's horizon at an unprecedented pace: the rise of artificial intelligence and the global transition towards clean, reliable energy. The world's energy map is being redrawn before our eyes. The essential point, our opportunity and our responsibility, is that these forces are not unfolding separately. They are converging and redefining the new global economy.”

He added that nuclear energy is the only source capable of low-carbon generation, round-the-clock reliability, high power density, grid stability and scalability. He described the link between nuclear and AI as structural alliance of “Atoms for Algorithms.”

According to the International Energy Agency, data centers accounted for 1.5% of worldwide electricity demand in 2024 – a figure that could double by 2030.

Nuclear power, with its ability to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity, is increasingly seen as a solution to meet this demand. At the same time, AI offers powerful tools to optimize reactor performance, streamline construction and enhance operational efficiency — enabling nuclear energy to reach its full potential while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards.

The symposium will provide a venue to build partnerships and develop recommendations for a framework of cooperation between the AI and nuclear sectors with IAEA support. It will delve into opportunities offered by AI and nuclear energy, supporting global efforts toward clean, reliable and sustainable energy by connecting diverse stakeholders.

Cooperation to Support AI Solutions

On Wednesday, the IAEA also signed an agreement with Atomic Canyon — a technology company developing AI-powered solutions for the nuclear energy sector. Under this pact, the IAEA and Atomic Canyon will explore opportunities for collaboration and evaluate a proof of concept to lay the groundwork for AI solutions in nuclear information management.

AI and Data

AI has the potential to transform the nuclear power industry, but success depends on one critical factor: data. High-quality, accessible, shareable and secure datasets are essential for designing, training, and validating AI applications. Without robust data governance and industry-wide collaboration, progress could slow or stall.

At the symposium, leaders from the nuclear and AI sectors will have the opportunity to interface with nuclear regulators from around the world. Side events include a session by the IAEA's ISOP AI for Nuclear Power Working Group, which will highlight collaborative approaches to advancing AI innovation in operating plants. The more detailed, technical content of the side events will complement strategic discussions held during the Symposium's five panels.

Follow updates about the conference here and on the IAEA social media channels: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.

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.