Within the IAEA/RAS/9/094 Project on “Strengthening Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response in Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations” under the framework of the Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation Project, the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) coordinated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to organize a Regional Workshop on “Developing a Protection Strategy for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency”. The Workshop took place from March 24 to 28, 2025 in Da Lat. Twenty-two participants from twelve member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, attended the workshop. Other researchers from DNRI also participated. The event was co-chaired by IAEA experts Dr. Kunihiko Motomitsu and Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Hussain.
On behalf of the DNRI Director Board, Deputy Director Dr. Nguyen Kien Cuong delivered the opening remarks, expressing sincere thanks to the IAEA and welcoming the international guests.
Dr. Nguyen Kien Cuong – DNRI Deputy Director delivers the opening remarks
The objective of the Workshop is to develop a protection strategy for establishing an effective nuclear and radiological emergency response system. The system includes a close coordination mechanism, clear division of responsibilities among relevant organizations and individuals. The strategy ensures an adequate preparation for technical facilities, equipment and human resources to respond timely and minimize the damage to the human, environment and property. It also ensures that the emergency response comply with the principles of unity, proactiveness and timeliness in the entire emergency development process.
Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Hussain – IAEA expert gives a presentation
Dr. Kunihiko Motomitsu – IAEA expert gives a presentation
In order to provide basic knowledge on strategy development, the experienced experts provided important information including Concept of protection strategy; Role of reference level and generic criteria in protection strategy; Role of operational criteria in the protection strategy; Considerations in the development and implementation of protection strategy; Elements of a protection strategy; planning basis and hazard assessment; Identifying areas where emergency response actions may be warranted; Justification and optimization of the protection strategy; Consultation with interested parties.. In addition, several specific situations that may occur in nuclear power plants were also presented.
To illustrate and provide practical information, representatives from Pakistan, Japan and Vietnam shared their experiences in developing their national nuclear and radiological emergency response strategies so that the participants could easily visualize and understand the lectures. Following the theoretical sessions, group work provided opportunities for participants to familiarize themselves with strategy development methods, exchange information, discuss and solve specific relevant situations. In addition, the participants visited the DNRI, learning about the management and operation of the Dalat nuclear reactor, the only nuclear facility in Vietnam.
Participants work in groups and share experience
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Hussain expressed his gratitude to the host country of Vietnam for successfully organizing this important event. He also expressed his hope that the knowledge and experience shared in the workshop would help the participants deploy and contribute to the development of a nuclear and radiological emergency response strategy for their country, thereby enhancing the response capacity, promoting the cooperation and ensuring the radiation protection and nuclear safety in the region.
Dr. Nguyen Kien Cuong presents tokens of appreciation to IAEA experts
Other pictures taken in the Workshop and DNRI Visit.
Translated by Le Van Ngoc
Source: Dalat Nuclear Research Institute
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