IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️

ZNPP relied solely on its recently repaired backup power line for several hours earlier this month, following scheduled maintenance that required the intentional disconnection of its main power line for several hours. The backup power line had only just been restored the previous day, further emphasizing the continued fragility of nuclear safety conditions amid the conflict, IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi said today: iaea.org/newscenter/pre…

🎙️ Media advisory: Media are invited to cover the IAEA International Conference on the #SafeSecureTransport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material and attend related media opportunities. ➡️ More details here: atoms.iaea.org/3PuTl3b

Rwanda is making progress towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix. An IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission recently visited Rwanda to assess the country’s progress in developing the infrastructure needed for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme. Rwanda aims to have nuclear power supply 60–70% of its energy mix, with its first SMR expected to be operational in the early 2030s. The mission’s recommendations will help Rwanda further strengthen its nuclear infrastructure and advance its readiness to introduce nuclear power in line with international safety standards and global best practices. Read more: atoms.iaea.org/4rLZxBD

126 years ago, on this day was the birthday of Nobel Laureate Frédéric Joliot-Curie. He and his wife, Irène (the daughter of Marie Curie), discovered artificial radioactivity, earning them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935. During the Nobel Prize ceremony, the Nobel Prize Committee acknowledged that “the results of your researches are of capital importance for pure science, but in addition, physiologists, doctors, and the whole of suffering humanity hope to gain from your discoveries, remedies of inestimable value.” Today artificial radioactivity has a range of uses, from forensic analysis using neutron activation analysis to treating cancer with boron neutron capture therapy to generating energy with nuclear fission.

Did you know that natural radiation from space can interfere with measuring radioactivity in scientific samples? The IAEA built an underground lab to get more precise measurements. Look inside

Following information from Iran of a projectile incident on Tuesday evening, the IAEA can confirm that a structure 350 metres from the Bushehr NPP reactor was hit and destroyed. “Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place,” DG @Rafaelmgrossi said.

Ocean acidification, warming and pollution do not occur in isolation — their combined effects increase pressure on marine ecosystems and can threaten biodiversity and food security. Understanding how they interact is key to producing reliable data that supports effective ocean management. Through its Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre Winter Schools, the IAEA offers hands-on training, preparing scientists to tackle the evolving pressures facing marine ecosystems. Read more: atoms.iaea.org/4buvckX

The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening. No damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported. Director General @RafaelMGrossi reiterates call for maximum restraint during the conflict to prevent risk of a nuclear accident.

An IAEA team of experts found that Poland 🇵🇱 is making progress in safely managing its radioactive waste and spent fuel management activities, an essential part of its plans to develop nuclear energy. ➡️ atoms.iaea.org/3Ns2PeU

The discovery of californium was announced 76 years ago on this day, after it was synthesized by a team of physicists at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley @UCBerkeley. Each microgram of fresh californium produces 139 million neutrons per minute, which makes it a strong neutron emitter. This makes californium useful for some nuclear reactors that rely on neutrons as a start-up source for chain reactions. These californium-emitted neutrons are also an effective tool in healthcare. They can be used to treat certain types of cervical and brain cancers, particularly when other radiation therapies are ineffective.

As the Second Nuclear Energy Summit #NES2026 came to an end in Paris, it underscored the central role that nuclear power plays in providing clean, reliable, affordable and secure energy. Participating countries have also issued two statements reaffirming their commitment to expanding nuclear energy, while calling for international cooperation and increased access to financing. atoms.iaea.org/4dquh7k

On this day in 1959, the first nuclear reactor built solely for the purpose of medical research reached criticality. Operating at three megawatts thermal, the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor (BMRR) at @BrookhavenLab was many times smaller than most power reactors. It was primarily used for research into a radiotherapy technique known as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). BNCT involves the selective targeting of cancer cells by irradiating boron compounds which have been placed within tumours. This treatment may be effective in treating brain cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme. After years of supporting scientific research, the BMRR was shut down in December 2000.

Today marks the birthday of Albert Einstein, one of the most famous scientists in history. One cannot easily overemphasize the mark his famous equation (E = mc^2) left not just on nuclear physics, but in many other areas of scientific innovation. A @NobelPrize Laureate and @TIME's Person of the Century, Einstein exhibited throughout his life a nearly unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight into science. Among others, he explained the relationship between mass and energy, which became part of the most famous equation in the world: E=mc^2. Einstein’s work on atomic energy is embodied in the IAEA’s work today: he is often credited as being the first to recognize that atomic energy could indeed be unlocked, laying the foundation for modern nuclear science. His keen awareness of the atom’s power also led him to strongly advocate for atomic energy to only be used for peaceful purposes. The legacy of this remarkable scientist lives on as we pursue our mission at the IAEA to enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.

Twenty-four IAEA Support Programmes met in Vienna last month for the Biennial MSSP Coordinators’ Meeting. The forum highlighted strategic priorities, advancements and opportunities to strengthen partnerships in support of IAEA safeguards.

The Nuclear Energy Summit #NES2026 took place in Paris, France this week. Watch for some of the key highlights.

📢 Call for Papers — Now Open Contribute to the discussions at the IAEA Symposium on International Safeguards 2026. Submit your abstracts by 15 April. For event details, as well as the submission process for abstracts, check the link atoms.iaea.org/4lxIT75 #IAEASG2026

This afternoon at #NES2026, panel discussions and round tables are focusing on practical ways to harness nuclear energy’s full potential to address global challenges. Take a look at some of the highlights from the Summit. Follow the discussions: atoms.iaea.org/4sBfn2r

France’s long-standing leadership in nuclear energy makes it a natural host for the Nuclear Energy Summit #NES2026. Congratulations to President @EmmanuelMacron for bringing leaders together at this important moment for the sector. Good exchange in Paris, including on the current situation in Iran. I also thanked 🇫🇷 for its strong and steady support to the @IAEAorg and for our continued cooperation.

Opened the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris today with President @EmmanuelMacron. Hosted by 🇫🇷 @francediplo_EN in cooperation with the @IAEAorg, #NES2026 comes at a moment when nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a tool of autonomy, industrial competitiveness and geopolitical resilience. When we speak about development, we speak about electrification, digitalization and artificial intelligence. In all these areas, we will need reliable and predictable answers. Nuclear energy is one of those answers. Reliable, low-carbon and independent of weather or fuel supply disruptions, nuclear power provides stable electricity systems and supports energy security. Its baseload reliability also enables the deployment of renewables and will be essential as electricity demand surges, including from the AI revolution. Today, around 60 countries are considering nuclear energy. But momentum alone is not enough: nuclear must be investible. Predictable policies, robust supply chains and accessible financing are essential to reduce costs and scale up its deployment, alongside greater standardization so the industry can move toward repeatable designs. We are making great progress. The @IAEAorg is working with international financial institutions to expand access to nuclear energy, including partnerships with the @WorldBank, @AgendaCAF, @TheOPECFund and @ADB_HQ. Nuclear power is not simply a nice-to-have, or a cleaner option. It is a strategic opportunity and we know it. As the global hub of expertise across the nuclear lifecycle, the @IAEAorg will continue supporting countries as they move to seize it.

The Nuclear Energy Summit #NES2026 kicks off in Paris! It brings together leaders from governments, international organizations, financial institutions, industry and technical communities to explore how nuclear energy can support the transition to a clean energy future. Follow here 🔴 LIVE: youtube.com/watch?v=nInv3J…