Nuclear science and technology applications in agriculture, medicine, industry and the environment will be featured in activities during the 38th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) celebration on December 6–10, 2010 at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) - Department of Science and Technology.

PNRI Director Alumanda dela Rosa said that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Accelerating Socio-Economic Development through Nuclear Science and Technology. “

Representative Angelo Palmones, vice chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives, will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies program on December 6. Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano will be the guest speaker at the closing ceremonies on December 10.

Activities slated for the 38th AEW celebration include the opening of exhibits on December 6, technical sessions for professionals and students on December 7, on-the-spot poster making and essay writing contests for high school students on December 8, and video showing and guided tours from December 6 to 10.

Added attractions in the weeklong celebration are mutant ornamental plants, irradiated beehives, and other products of nuclear science and technology applications.

Further, the topics and speakers for the technical sessions on December 7 are : “Local Availability of Technecium-99m (Tc99m) for Enhanced Nuclear Medicine Applications thru the Setting-up of the PNRI Tc99m Generator Facility” by Adelina Bulos, Head of PNRI’s Isotope Techniques Research Section; “Biofertilizers” by Juliet Anarna of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines In Los Banos; “Prospects of Radiation Processing Applications by Gamma and Electron Beam in the Philippines” by Dr. Lucille Abad, Head of PNRI’s Chemistry Research Section, and Luvimina Lanuza, Head of Irradiation Services; and “Using Isotopic and Radiotracer Techniques in the Management of Coastal Resources in the Philippines” by Elvira Sombrito, PNRI Consultant and expert of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Individuals interested to participate in the various activities ofg the 38th Atomic Energy Week celebration may call Justina Cerbolles, PNRI Information Officer, at 920 8787 or 929 6010 to 19 extension 286. (Justina S. Cerbolles, S&T Media Service)