Key representatives from the agricultural, industrial, medical, government and academic sectors will gather together for the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress (PNC) from December 7 to 9, 2015 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Philippines to assess the state of nuclear science and technology and its contributions to national development. The third PNC will focus on the theme Meeting Challenges through Nuclear Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth.

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and other partner agencies, the PNC is a multi-sectoral forum for reviewing the global, regional and national scenarios in nuclear science applications for technological development and inclusive growth. It also aims to expand the participation of the different sectors to establish stronger linkages with the collaborating institutions and individuals.

During the three-day event, experts in the nuclear field will present and discuss applications in food and agriculture; health and medicine; industry; and the environment; as well as current developments in nuclear safety, security and safeguards. The Congress will likewise feature exhibits by scientific societies, government agencies, and members of the academic and research sectors, along with posters from selected contributors.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano will be the Keynote Speaker of the event. TDG Amano previously visited the Philippines in January 2015 as part of his tour of the IAEA member states in Southeast Asia. He applauded the country’s efforts not only in advancing the uses of nuclear science and technology but also in contributing to the development of the nuclear field in our neighboring countries.

Part of the Congress is the launching of the first Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit (PNYS) on Dec. 7 in recognition of the youth’s great potential as well as their growing interest in nuclear and radiation technologies. This will enable students from colleges and secondary schools across the country to participate actively in the shaping of the future of nuclear science and education in the country. Students will engage in group dynamics and other activities that are geared for promoting the benefits of nuclear science and technology.

Also at the summit, scientists, researchers and other professionals in the nuclear field will share their experiences to inspire the youth to engage in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering courses, and eventually in the field of nuclear research and development.

On December 8, the top four school qualifiers in the elimination rounds of the 2015 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz held in various DOST Regional S&T Fairs for North Luzon (Vigan, Ilocos Sur), South Luzon A (held at PNRI), South Luzon B (Puerto Princesa, Palawan), Visayas (Ormoc, Leyte) and Mindanao (Zamboanga City) will slug it out in the national level. Cash prizes and plaques of recognition will be awarded to the top three winners – Php 50,000 for the champion, Php 35,000 for the second placer and Php 20,000 for the third placer.

With the participation of the country’s various sectors in advancing nuclear science and technology for sustainable growth, the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress will be one of the significant milestones in the history of nuclear science and technology in the Philippines.