Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories

In Seibersdorf, Austria, the Agency runs eight nuclear applications laboratories focusing on food and agriculture, human health, environmental monitoring and assessment, and nuclear instrumentation and accelerator applications, along with two safeguards analytical laboratories. In 2014, work commenced to comprehensively renovate the nuclear applications laboratories, established in 1962.

A total of 38 Member States, one international organization, one private sector donor and two individuals have provided over €29 million in extrabudgetary contributions to the final phase of the Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories (ReNuAL) initiative, known as ReNuAL2, enabling the Agency to conclude contracts for all major construction. By the end of 2024, the newly refurbished Dosimetry Laboratory was operational, major construction of the new laboratories building was completed and construction on the new greenhouses was on track to be finalized in early 2025. All new facilities constructed under ReNuAL2 are expected to begin operations in 2025.

In advance of the completion of construction on the final elements of ReNuAL, namely fit-for-purpose 21st century laboratories and greenhouses, the Agency has strengthened its coordination capabilities to ensure that its laboratories have adequate support in delivering enhanced services to Member States.

During a visit by the Director General and the President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, to the newly refurbished Dosimetry Laboratory, Agency staff showcase nuclear-derived techniques for improving cancer therapy.

The Agency made improvements
in the following areas:

Partnership building:

An internal workshop was conducted to equip the laboratories with tools to establish and sustain stronger partnerships. In 2024, the laboratories pursued collaborations with over a dozen potential partners, including private sector entities.

Safety:

The continuous application of safety requirements was ensured by helping the laboratories adapt their authorizations according to the changes stemming from ReNuAL and providing training in accordance with Agency safety regulatory requirements.

Outreach and visibility:

Awareness of laboratory activities was enhanced externally and internally by increasing the number of organized visits and launching a series of scientific seminars in order to showcase the laboratories’ diverse research and development activities.

Administrative efficiencies:

Equipment management and laboratory sustainability were improved, enabling better planning and budgeting. Emphasis was placed on supporting cross-laboratory collaboration, streamlining shared administrative processes and strengthening the nuclear applications capacity building programme.

In Focus 2024

Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories

Partnership building:

Safety:

Outreach and visibility:

Administrative efficiencies: