A new coordinated IAEA research project “Facilitating Experiments with Ion Beam Accelerators” aims to accelerate research into an essential tool in nuclear applications while promoting gender equality by enabling women to access cutting-edge technologies in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Ion beam accelerators are essential tools in a wide range of nuclear applications with significant socio-economic impact, from environmental monitoring and materials science to cultural heritage preservation and biomedical research. However, access to these facilities has been limited, particularly for researchers in developing regions and for women facing additional gender-related barriers. A new Coordinated Research Project (CRP), funded by the IAEA, not only provides access to cutting-edge accelerators, but also offers opportunities for funding, mentoring and collaboration with leading global researchers. In a world where nuclear technology is becoming increasingly essential to solving global challenges, initiatives such as this CRP not only advance scientific knowledge, but also ensure that women’s contributions are recognized and valued.

Muhayatun Santoso, an Indonesian researcher, is one of many women who have benefited from this initiative. “The project is very useful in overcoming various existing obstacles and limitations, especially in facilitating collaboration with hosts with accelerator facilities,” Santoso said.

Santoso was able to carry out his work at the ANSTO Center of Accelerator Science in Australia with support from the IAEA and continue his research into the environmental impact of industrial activities by analyzing tiny particles in air quality samples from Indonesia. This research provides critical data to policymakers, helping them develop strategies that protect public health and bring lasting benefits to local communities.

Similarly, Wanwisa Sudpraset, a Thai scientist, used ANSTO facilities to study sources of harmful air pollution in Bangkok. By identifying major sources of pollution in Bangkok, Sudpraset’s work contributes to long-term strategies to improve air quality and public health in urban centers around the world.

“Early in my career, I encountered gender preference issues when I began working as a radioisotope production scientist, but the inclusive environment of this CRP was crucial in overcoming these challenges,” Sudpraset said. Grateful for the support she received at the institution, she said, “The mentoring opportunities and support systems provided by the host institution were crucial in advancing my research. »

Encouraged by these mentoring opportunities, Sudpraset brought her graduate student, Sumittra Amphalop, to ANSTO, where she conducted research for her dissertation and later received a grant from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program (MSCFP) of the IAEA. By encouraging young talents like Amphalop, CRP is laying the foundation for a future where more women can excel in nuclear sciences. These mentorship opportunities signal to young women around the world that they too can aspire to lead groundbreaking research, further closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Together, their work is not only critical to understanding and mitigating pollution, but it also raises public awareness of the health risks associated with poor air quality.