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.