The training course on Environmental radioactivity monitoring under the cooperation framework between the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) was conducted at the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) from the 14th to 18th of October 2024. It was a great opportunity for the participants not only to access valuable knowledge, experience and skills from Japanese experts and DNRI’s lecturers, but also to facilitate the academic exchange in the fields of atomic energy and environmental protection.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Kien Cuong, representing the DNRI Director Board, welcomed the experts, instructors and 19 participants to the training course. He believed that the knowledge in the course would bring the participants practical values in improving professional skills and management capacity in their science and technology organizations. Emphasizing the urgency of climate change and environmental pollution, Dr. Cuong underscored the crucial role of monitoring systems in early detection of potential risks. He asserted that these systems would enable authorities to implement timely response measures and protect public health and the environment.
Participated in the course were the staff from many organizations including the Departments of Science and Technology of Long An, Dak Nong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provinces; Can Tho City Environmental Protection Branch; University of Natural Sciences - Vietnam National University HCM City; Ho Chi Minh City Center for Nuclear Technology and a number of young DNRI staff. The diversity of the participants not only enriched the learning environment but also created a good opportunity to exchange experience, expand their network of relationships, and promote the cooperation between participating organizations.
The training curriculum combined theoretical foundations with hands-on practicals and data analysis. Japanese experts and DNRI instructors shared and imparted basic and in-depth knowledge in environmental radioactivity monitoring, and guided participants in performing practicals in the laboratory. The participants had the opportunity to approach the radioactivity monitoring, from sample collection, processing, measurement, calculation, data analysis to environmental impact assessment. In addition, they also visited the nuclear reactor at the DNRI to better understand the reactor operation and environmental protection.
All the participants gave positive feedback on the course. They highly appreciated the professionalism in the organization and the innovative content. Additionally, they expressed a desire for DNRI to organize more specialized training courses to enhance professional qualifications and meet the increasing demand for environmental radioactivity monitoring in the context of promoting the development of the monitoring network in Vietnam.
At the closing ceremony, Mr. Ohkura Takehisa - the JAEA representative commended all the participants on their successful completion of the course. He emphasized that the program not only provided a platform for knowledge acquisition but also facilitated the sharing of practical experiences and the forging of robust cooperative networks among the participating organizations. Mr. OHKURA expressed his appreciation for the participants' enthusiastic engagement and affirmed that the knowledge and skills gained would serve as a strong foundation for their environmental monitoring and protection efforts in their respective cities and provinces.
The successful completion of the training course on environmental radioactivity monitoring marks a significant milestone in enhancing professional capabilities and fostering collaborative networks between domestic and international organizations. The memories captured in photographs of the participants during the classroom, laboratories, and reactor visits have been the unforgettable moments in their learning journey and experiences. With all these positive results, DNRI aims to continue promoting the interest and participation of the relevant organizations in the future in order to contribute to building an effective and sustainable environmental monitoring network.
Several photos of the training course
Translated by Le Van Ngoc
Source: Dalat Nuclear Research Institute
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