Artificial Intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Agency is increasing, mirroring global trends. The Agency is both deploying and developing AI tools and methodologies to improve programmatic efforts, management processes and administrative functions. It has also been closely engaging with counterparts to better understand the extent and manner of AI integration in the nuclear sector, and to support the sharing of information and good practices among Member States.

Notable activities of the Agency in the area of AI in 2024:

Technical meeting on safety and operational considerations in the use of advanced technologies at research reactors, including digital control systems, robotics and AI;
Training workshop to prepare clinically qualified medical physicists for the use of AI in relation to medical uses of radiation;
Launch of a coordinated research project, under the ZODIAC initiative, focused on developing or adapting AI techniques to process large X-ray and CT scan image datasets to better detect infectious disease patterns;
Technical meeting on AI analysis to accelerate the technological development of evolutionary and innovative reactor designs;
Issuance of General Guidelines for Agency Personnel on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), which provide clear guidance on the ‘dos and don’ts’ regarding the use of GenAI, consistent with the Agency’s administrative and legal framework;
In the area of safeguards, focus was placed on developing AI applications that can improve the efficiency of information analysis and surveillance review;
During the 68th regular session of the General Conference, the Agency hosted AI-focused side events, including the Nuclear Operators’ Forum: Pioneering the Deployment of AI Applications in Nuclear Power Plants. At this event, the Director General indicated his intention to organize an international symposium in 2025 to discuss clean energy solutions, exploring opportunities for using nuclear energy to power data centres to support AI’s expansion, and the use of AI to drive innovation and efficiencies in the nuclear industry.

The Agency continues to focus on AI in the following areas:

Development and application of AI tools to support routine business activities, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its services and programmatic work;

Development and application of AI tools in its activities related to the peaceful uses of nuclear material and technology and supporting Member States in their use;

Keeping abreast of AI development and use in the nuclear field and facilitating knowledge sharing.

In Focus 2024

Artificial Intelligence