The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has inaugurated the new Curie-Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre at its laboratory site in Seibersdorf. This marked completion of the ReNuAL2 (Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories) lab project to modernise the Agency’s nuclear science and applications laboratories.
The Curie-Meitner Nuclear Applications Centre – named after nuclear pioneers Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Lise Meitner – provides modern facilities for three of the IAEA’S eight nuclear science and applications laboratories in Seibersdorf. The Terrestrial Environment and Radiochemistry Laboratory provides support in managing radioactive, industrial, and environmental pollutants. The Plant Breeding and Genetics laboratory, one of five laboratories that make up the Joint FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories at Seibersdorf, develops high-yield, resistant crops. The Nuclear Science and Instrumentation laboratory assists countries in the use of a range of analytic nuclear techniques.
At the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by high level dignitaries and government representatives from 33 countries, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi described the renewal of the laboratories as a crucial investment in advancing nuclear applications.
“This achievement is more than a renovation; it’s the result of vision, commitment and partnership,” he said. “The new Curie-Meitner Centre enables our scientists and partners from around the world to work together, innovate and deliver tangible solutions that improve health, food security and environmental protection.”
Completion of ReNuAL2 was made possible by the strong support of IAEA member states and partners. In addition to institutional support from governments and organisations, 52 member states contributed extrabudgetary resources. This support has helped to transform the Seibersdorf laboratories into a modern complex equipped to meet the evolving needs of countries in applying nuclear science and technology.
Mareike Wörrle, Minister Counsellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and Co-Chair of the Friends of ReNuAL, said, “We are proud of the applied scientific work carried out at the laboratories in Seibersdorf. Serving the people is what unites us, working together to overcome the challenges we all face.”
The IAEA’s nuclear application laboratories in Seibersdorf, outside of Vienna, were built in 1959 to support the IAEA’s work in to give member states access to nuclear technologies through training, services, and applied research.
“It is a model of how science and innovation can be harnessed to support our member countries in addressing global challenges in the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,” noted FAO Director General Qu Dongyu. “The FAO is committed to our long partnership with the IAEA and the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, letting the people benefit from innovation. This is a critical partnership. We are better together, leading deliverables in the UN family, serving our Member States.”
As well as the new Curie-Meitner Centre, ReNuAL2 has also resulted in new state-of-the-art greenhouses essential to developing climate-smart agriculture and improved water resource management and a fully refurbished space for the dosimetry laboratory to support cancer control and ensure patients receive safe radiation doses.
“The successful completion of ReNuAL2 is a milestone for the Agency,” said Lunga Bengu, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, Vienna. “It is a privilege to thank all the member states for their contributions and tireless efforts in meeting the challenges and making significant advances in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and applications for all.”
