Global Trade in Applications of Radiation Processing, Plenary: Natesan Ramamoorthy, PhD
13:30 - 16:15 Monday 22 September | Plenary Session 3: Global Trading
Natesan Ramamoorthy, PhD: Director of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramer Strasse 5, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
E-mail: n.ramamoorthy@iaea.org
Presentation
Abstract
Radiation processing has become a well accepted technology on the global market, from sterilization of medical devices, through polymer cross-linking and controlled degradation, grafting and curing, to irradiation of selected food items. Besides these well-established uses, new technologies and applications are emerging in the area of environmental protection and synthesis of advanced materials. The new technologies aiding the development, manufacture and analysis of advanced materials as well as for tackling environmental pollutants and biohazards are attracting increasing interest in many Member States (MS) of the IAEA. In addition to the need for ready access to reliable technology and related support, Quality Management (QM) system is vital for the successful adaptation of the above mentioned technologies, both established ones and emerging areas. This requires the development of standardized procedures and harmonization of the process validation and process control. The degree of implementation and practice of QM is quite different in various countries, and this may become a barrier for global trade. Further, the radioisotope-based facilities (e.g. using 60Co) face serious challenges in terms of assured availability and timely transport/delivery of high intensity sources, while the use of electron accelerators requires specific infrastructural and technology support.
The role of the IAEA as the only UN organization dealing with radiation processing is crucial in fostering international cooperation due to the multi-disciplinary expertise required for achieving sustainable benefits from this endeavour. The IAEA plays many roles to support radiation technology development and practices and in facilitating local capabilities being developed in interested MS. The focus is more towards normative functions (e.g. advice on best practices, setting guidelines and standards), strong emphasis on partnership and networking, creating awareness among various stakeholders for facilitating operational practices, as well as serve as a credible information hub. Coordinated Research Projects (CRP), thematic topical reviews of issues and challenges, assistance in establishing and maintaining appropriate infrastructure and Technical Cooperation (TC) projects are the major tools used by the IAEA in fulfilling these roles.
This talk will give an insight into the IAEA activities in assisting and advising decision makers in developing countries on issues of global trade in radiation processing by illustrations drawn from recent experiences together with success stories on the transfer of these technologies to some of the developing Member States of the IAEA. Keywords: radiation processing, global trade, radiation source, quality management.
Natesan Ramamoorthy has over 32 years of experience in the fields of production and utilisation of radioisotope products and radiopharmaceuticals using research reactors and accelerators and radiation processing technology. Dr Ramamoorthy joined the IAEA in October 2003 as Director, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications and oversees the work of four Sections within the Division: Nuclear Data Section; Physics Section; Isotope Hydrology Section and Industrial Applications and Chemistry Section. Natesan Ramamoorthy is the Programme Manager for two programmes: ‘Nuclear Science' and ‘Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology'. He leads a small team in the IAEA dealing with fostering new radiation processing applications through various activities such as coordinated research projects (CRP), thematic topical review meetings, publication of technical documents, and technical support to national and regional projects under the IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme.