On September 17, a side event organized by the Kazakhstani delegation was held at the International Atomic Energy Agency Headquarters in Vienna as part of the General Conference. The event focused on the development of accelerator and radiation technologies in Kazakhstan to improve efficiency and expand opportunities in science, medicine, and industry. Gumar Sergazin, Deputy Chairman of the Kazakhstan Agency for Atomic Energy; Selina Khorak, Head of the IAEA Radiochemistry and Radiation Technologies Sector; and Sayabek Sakhiyev, Director General of the Institute of Nuclear Physics presented the welcome speeches and opened up the event. The event was moderated by Baygarin Qanat Abdualiuly, Chief Director for Sustainable Development at the Nazarbayev University.
With IAEA support, the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) is developing the production of radiopharmaceuticals and industrial ionizing radiation sources using cyclotrons, expanding the application of radiation technologies in industry and environmental protection using electron accelerators, and supporting fundamental and applied research using heavy ion accelerators. The event showcased Kazakhstan's experience in developing accelerator and radiation technologies and provided an opportunity to exchange experiences in creating modern medical, industrial, and scientific centers based on accelerator technologies.
Igor Danko, Deputy Head of the Scientific-Technical Department of Accelerator Technologies at INP, presented a report on the development of accelerator technologies in Kazakhstan, including key achievements, the current status, and development prospects.
Igor Ivanov, Head of the DC-60 Cyclotron at the INP Astana Branch, presented a report on scientific research conducted at the DC-60 heavy ion accelerator, as well as the development and optimization of methods for producing ion beams of various heavy elements. The report also covered the development of track-etched membranes at the DC-60 accelerator and their applications.
Aliya Nurmukhanbetova, a researcher at the Nazarbayev University, highlighted the new Center of Excellence in Space and Nuclear Research at the Nazarbayev University, which focuses on the development of modern technologies in key areas such as nuclear physics, nuclear energy and safety, space exploration, and the application of artificial intelligence to advance nuclear and space science. Indira Tleulesova, Head of the Radiation Technology Center at the National Research Oncology Center, presented her presentation on the creation of specialized oncology research centers and the key role in integrating accelerator-based solutions into modern medical practice. Ms. Sibel Yunlu, Program Management Specialist in the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation, emphasized the significance and relevance of the presentations, as well as the significant progress in the development of accelerator technology and accelerator-based technologies, at the closing of the session.
