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Summary Report of the 25th FNCA Coordinators Meeting
26 February 2025, Tokyo, Japan (hybrid meeting)
The 25th FNCA Coordinators Meeting (CDM) was held in Tokyo on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, hosted by the Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO) and the Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), and co-hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. Dr. TAMADA Masao, FNCA Coordinator of Japan, chaired the meeting. The meeting was attended by delegates from 13 member countries; Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, with the Regional Cooperation Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA) Regional Office as an observer.
The summary of the 9 sessions of the meeting is as follows:
Session 1: Opening Session
Opening remarks from Dr. TAMADA was made and the agenda for the meeting was adopted.
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(Left) Dr. UESAKA, Chairperson of JAEC
(Right) Dr. TAMADA, FNCA Coordinator of Japan |
Session 2: Report on the 25th MLM and other major activities
The FNCA Secretariat presented an overview of the 25th MLM held in a hybrid format in Japan in December 2024. The Secretariat reported on the roundtable discussion on “FNCA: Past 25 Years and Future Activities”, the awarding of the FNCA Awards, and the formal accession of Singapore to the FNCA. It was also reported that the FNCA 25th anniversary events were successfully held with the cooperation of the member countries.
Session 3: Reports on Project Activities (Phase Completion)
3-1 Evaluation on FY2024 Project Activities
Dr. Tamada delivered an overview explaining that the evaluation of the FY2024 project activities would be conducted in accordance with the respective phases of each individual project.
3-2 Report on Phase-ending Project - Radiation Utilization Development
(Radiation Processing and Polymer Modification)
The activity report and evaluation of the end-of-project were conducted.
This project aims to promote technology transfer in the fields of agriculture, environment, and medicine. Main activities include research and development and practical use of following items: degraded chitosan for animal feed; hydrogel for medical application; environmental remediation; synergistic effects among plant growth promoter, super absorbent, and biofertilizer; plant growth promoters and super absorbents including process development; mutation breeding of microbe using radiation; sterilization and sanitization using radiation; and recycled plastic. These efforts have significantly advanced radiation processing technologies that tailored to the needs of end users in agriculture, environment, and healthcare.
Session 4: Activities on Ongoing Projects (Monitoring)
4-1 Radiation Utilization Development (Mutation Breeding)
The project has been working on the theme of “Mutation Breeding of Major Crops for Sustainable Agriculture and Application of New Technologies”. From FY2024, by incorporating new technologies, the project aims to further develop conventional radiation breeding techniques through improved efficiency of mutant selection and trait evaluation as well as obtained information on genetically important traits. In the meeting, some of the achievements such as progress reports from each participating country and technical visits to several facilities including an experimental field of radiation breeding at the Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences (IPAS), Mongolia, during the last workshop were introduced.
4-2 Radiation Utilization Development (Combating Food Fraud)
This project aims to undertake research for the establishment of a food provenance technology platform and a database of key items in order to prevent fraud in the supply chains. After two years of preparation, phase one of the project began in FY2024. At the first face-to-face workshop held in Sydney, the participating countries discussed item selection and sample collection. Furthermore, training on applying nuclear technologies to deter food fraud and technical visits were conducted.
4-3 Radiation Utilization Development (Climate Change: Evaluating the Carbon Emission from Forest Soils)
This project aims to understand soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and to develop a prototype database, soil CO2 emission model, and Asian-scale of soil characteristics and a CO2 emission model. To achieve these goals, the project evaluates radiocarbon (C14) values of SOC from Asian forests soils - which span the widest range of climate zones in the world - by using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Experimental kits for soils sampling were distributed to member countries. During a Workshop held in Hiroshima, the sampling method was demonstrated.
4-4 Radiation Utilization Development (Radiation Oncology)
The project focuses on improving outcomes and dissemination of radiotherapy in Asia by establishing standardized treatment protocols. Standardized treatments have been established among major cancers including cervical, nasopharyngeal, and breast cancers, with ongoing studies on palliative radiotherapy for bone and brain metastases. Achievements including clinical research progress, quality improvement of radiotherapy in member countries through QA/QC audits, training of radiation oncologists and medical physicists, and network development through FNCA flamework were share in the meeting.
Session 4 Activities on Ongoing Projects (Monitoring) (Continued)
4-5 Research Reactor Utilization Development (Research Reactor Utilization)
This project shares information such as characteristics and utilization status of research reactors among the member countries to improve common research infrastructure and technical skills of their researchers and engineers. At the last workshop, the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) group focused on environmental monitoring and had analyzed a wide range of environmental samples using multiple techniques, including NAA, for elemental analysis. The group has been engaging in a joint analysis to improve analytical methods. The non-NAA group discussed radioisotope (RI) production, including new isotopes, and exchanged information on the current status of reactor use.
4-6 Nuclear Safety Strengthening (Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management)
This project aims to promote radiation safety at nuclear facilities and activities related to radioactive waste management among the member countries through exchanging and sharing information as well as experience-based knowledge. In the current phase, activities focus on environmental radiation and radioactivity around nuclear facilities. Participating countries will collect and review information on government policies, systems, and problems in their countries, with the aim of compiling an consolidated report. At the last workshop, country reports were presented on national policies, management systems, and challenges related to environmental radiation and radioactivity, followed by an exchange of views.
4-7 Nuclear Infrastructure Strengthening (Nuclear Security and Safeguards)
This project aims to strengthen nuclear security and safeguards in Asia through raising awareness, information exchange, capacity building, and promoting R&D. In the current phase, topics on capacity building in nuclear forensics, strengthening RI security, and security against emerging threats have been focused in the field of nuclear security. Meanwhile, topics on good practices in additional protocol (AP) implementation as well as human resource development plan and qualification (rotation of human resource) have been focused in the field of nuclear safeguards. Information will be shared through workshops and other events, and tabletop exercise and training will be conducted as other activities.
Session 5: IAEA/RCA Presentation
Activities of the six RCA programs (Agriculture, Human Health, Environment, Industry, Radiation Safety, and others) under the IAEA were introduced.
Session 6: Singapore Participating Projects
Singapore expressed interest in participating in four FNCA projects: Radiation Oncology, Research Reactor Utilization, Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management, and Nuclear Security and Safeguards. Singapore also shared the insights that are expected to be gained through the FNCA activities, as well as the potential contributions of Singapore.
Session 7: New Projects (including Continuation)
- Japan proposed a continued phase (FY2025 - FY2027) of the Radiation Processing and Polymer Modification Project. In the next eighth phase, the project will reorganize the current eight research subjects into three categories: “Agricultural bio-stimulants", “Environmental remediation", and “Medical and biological application" to promote R&D and practical applications of new products.
- Malaysia proposed a new project (FY2025 - FY2027) on Public Information on Nuclear Energy. This aims to enhance public understanding in nuclear technologies in the member and regional countries, build confidence in the safety and benefits of nuclear energy, thus lead to support the use of nuclear technology in national and regional energy strategies. The project activity fund through joint contributions from the member countries is assumed.
Dr. TAMADA explained the results and comments of the preliminary evaluations conducted by the coordinators in each member country based on the evaluation guidelines. Regarding proposal (1), it was approved to start (continue) the project in FY2025, and as for proposal (2), it was recommended to resubmit the proposal with a more detailed plan, and it was also suggested that implementing the same theme in the Study Panel could be another option.
Session 8: Overall Assessment on Project Activities and Future Plan
8-1: Comprehensive Evaluation of FNCA Projects in 2024
Dr. TAMADA explained a summary of the project activities in FY2024 and evaluated the workshop activities of each project as having been successfully implemented.
8-2: New Management Proposal
New proposals concerning the activity policy for the coming fiscal years were presented.
The first proposal involved the introduction of a Vice-Chair System, wherein the host country of each workshop would appoint a Vice-Chair. The designated Vice-Chair would be responsible for facilitating selected sessions and coordinating logistical aspects such as site visits. The proposal was received without objection from any of the member countries, and it was formally agreed that implementation would commence in April 2025.
The second proposal concerned the establishment of a tentatively named “FNCA R&D Platform”, intended to enhance accessibility to the accumulated outcomes of FNCA activities by storing them within a secure, restricted-access network for relevant stakeholders. The initiative aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and further strengthen collaboration among the member countries. There were no objections from any of the participating countries, and its implementation was approved.
8-3: Workshop Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025
The schedule and host countries for FY2025 workshops were shared.
8-4: FNCA Award Selection Process for Research Team Award for 2024
The FNCA Secretariat reported that the FNCA Award was presented at the 25th MLM held in December 2024, and that the award ceremony is also scheduled to take place at the MLM to be held in 2025. The Secretariat also outlined the timeline and methodology for the selection of the award recipients.
Session 9: Closing Session
Draft of Conclusions and Recommendations of the meeting was compiled after confirmation and revision by coordinators and others in the member countries.
The meeting was adjourned with closing remarks by Dr. TAMADA.
Conclusions and Recommendations of the 25th FNCA Coordinators Meeting
- Based on the Joint Communiques of the 25th FNCA Ministerial-Level Meeting (MLM) on the new course of FNCA, the Coordinators Meeting (“the meeting") recognizing the value of the nuclear science and technology field as well as the radiation utilization and related FNCA projects in areas such as nuclear safety, security culture, sustainable agricultural development, food security and safety, environmentally sound industrial development, climate change impact mitigation and protection of natural ecosystems, reaffirming that the main role and objective of FNCA is research and development, knowledge and information sharing and capacity building, for the social and economic well-being of Member Countries, agreed to further develop FNCA’s activities.
- Report on Phase-ending Project - Radiation Utilization Development (Radiation Processing and Polymer Modification)
In the meeting, final reports of the project at the phase end were presented. This project aimed to develop products with radiation processing using electron beams and gamma rays, especially polymer modification technology, based on the needs requested from the participating countries and make technology transfer of the products with collaboration of corresponding stakeholders to contribute regional SDGs. Major achievements are summarized as follows:
- Agricultural application
Plant growth promoter (PGP), super water absorbent (SWA), and biofertilizer (BF) have been developed and then commercialized. PGP promoted the growth of various farmed fish as well as agricultural crops.
- Environmental application
Metal recovery using adsorbents synthesized by grafting technology and large-scale wastewater treatment using electron irradiation have entered the stage of practical application.
- Medical application
3D cell culture substrates have been developed, wound dressings and hemostatic agents have been put to practical use, and diagnostic techniques using nanoparticles have been developed.
- Workshop
In-person meeting with group discussion and technical visit enhanced activities effectively
and efficiently. Open seminar disseminated outcomes of the project and promoted public acceptance of radiation technology.
- The meeting discussed on the following seven ongoing projects. Main points are summarized as below.
1) Mutation Breeding
Molecular approaches of developed new climate resilient rice lines were initiated. MOU for joint research concerning the Mutation Breeding Project of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia were exchanged among member countries, QST-Takasaki, and NSRA to facilitate the irradiation of ion beam in QST-Takasaki. Acquisition of competitive funding (e-ASIA Joint Research Program, 2025~27) was determined and will enhance cooperation among member countries.
Planned new technologies such as remote sensing and genome sequencing will improve the efficiency of radiation breeding and accelerate the development of new varieties in Asian countries. The acquired competitive funding will support the projects in terms of additional research, human resource development, and information shearing meetings.
2) Combatting Food Fraud using Nuclear Technology
The first face-to-face meeting in Sydney provided comprehensive training on various food origin authentication techniques. These included lab-based isotopic and nuclear analyses, as well as the use of a handheld scanner for in-situ sample analysis. The training also covered sample preparation procedures, licensing and permitting requirements, safety protocols for handheld XRF use, statistical analysis, database development, and chain of custody. The training on handheld XRF applications, in particular, facilitated the mastery of food origin estimation techniques, which are crucial for the project. Sample collection and analysis will continue until the next workshop, where we will discuss the progress of database development based on the obtained analytical results.
3) Climate Change (Evaluating the Carbon Emission from Forest Soils)
Japan delivered sample kits including soil sampling too with experimental implementation manual, soil culture tool, etc. to participating countries to carry out efficient analytical process from soil samplings to these analyses. Technical visit to fieldwork of soil sampling deepened participants understanding of the need for proficiency in environmental sampling procedures for climate change research. It is expected that a prototype soil characteristic database and CO2 emission model will be constructed based on the soil characteristic data and CO2 release rate data obtained by AMS analyses of soil sampling samples and gas samples sent back to Japan.
4) Radiation Oncology
A paper on improving treatment accuracy by planning irradiation to the affected area by optimizing the location of the radiation source, which is indispensable for the treatment of radiation cancer, the construction of the computer system, and treatment examples, was published March 2024 issue of Physica Medica and shared with the participating countries. Cooperation with the IAEA/RCA project "Standardization of Radiotherapy in Palliative Care" continues to share the information. Various conditions of radiation treatments have been applied to palliative radiation therapy for brain and bone metastases since 2022. In the future, it is expected that the irradiation protocol is standardized as case registration and fact-finding surveys progress.
5) Research Reactor Utilization
The project applied analytical methods other than NAA, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), to environmental samples, compared and verified the data, and optimized data processing, aiming to acquire new users through active collaboration with end users. The workshop was able to share useful information on RI production as a major activity in the participating countries to enhance the application of research reactor applications. Two types of round-robin tests (sedimentary rock powder as a standard sample and U-containing Monazite and Xenotime powder causing errors in neutron activation analysis will be expected to improve the measurement technology. Continuing to cover RI production as a major common topic in the workshops will clarify current issues.
6) Radiation Safety and Radioactive Waste Management
The first workshop in the new phase shared information on measures and issues related to the environmental radiation and radioactivity in the participating countries. In particular, it was found that the workshop needed deeper discussions on the adequate use of analytical instruments and data analysis technique with regard to the measurement of environmental radiation and radioactivity. A preliminary draft of a consolidated report on environmental radiation and radioactivity in the vicinity of nuclear facilities will be prepared in the second year, FY2025, of the project.
7) Nuclear Security and Safeguards
Sharing the challenges and best practices of nuclear security and safeguards in the workshop further strengthened the awareness of nuclear security of the participating countries. Human resource development was promoted through the implementation of table-top exercises on identifying stakeholders involved in radioactive material security and coordination between facilities using radioactive materials and security authorities. Deepening understanding of new threats such AI, computer cyber security, and insider threat mitigation and sharing best practices is expected to further foster a nuclear security culture. Capacity building can be expected through tabletop exercises related to complementary access, nuclear forensics, emergency response and export control.
- At the meeting, RCARO reported on overview of RCA and active recent programs. RCARO also presented some ideas for cooperation such as joint symposium or cooperative research projects. Participants discussed and exchanged views on the ideas presented.
- The 25th Ministerial-Level Meeting (MLM) approved new membership of Singapore and Singapore participated in the meeting as a member country for the first time. Singapore expressed interests of participating four projects and presented ideas of potential contribution from Singapore side and implementing agency. Singapore is encouraged to participate in project meetings like workshops as soon as possible, hopefully from this year. Member countries hope new membership will bring new ideas to team and make project more active. The meeting recommended that Singapore would consider the possibility of participating in other projects.
- With improved procedures endorsed at the 17th MLM for evaluating project proposals, all FNCA coordinators performed ex-ante evaluation of the two projects newly proposed from viewpoints of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. Main points of such evaluation results were discussed and were summarized as follows.
1) Radiation Processing and Polymer Modification for Agricultural, Environmental and Medical Applications (Continuation, Japan)- The project will reorganize the eight areas into three new ones and proceed with their activities. It is expected to promote the R&D and practical application of new products by clarifying the application directions.
- Practical applications can be promoted by R&D to meet the needs of participating countries and cooperation with diverse stakeholders in the various sectors. Achievements will contribute to socioeconomic benefits and SDG.
- Almost all of countries score high and express interest to participate.
2) Public Information on Nuclear Energy (New Malaysia)- Some evaluation categories scored low.
- Several countries expressed strong interests, pointing out the importance of the proposed theme. However, a more specific plan is needed before initiating the project since there are various strategies to meet the diverse needs of the regions involved in the development of nuclear technology. Before starting a project, it is necessary to consider in more detail the specific plan, clear goals and desired results, expected stakeholders, etc.
- The project activities need fund through joint contributions from participating member countries or will be implemented online. However, there is concern that online meeting is not as efficient as a face-to-face discussion.
- Adoption of new project (including continuation)
1) Radiation Processing and Polymer Modification for Agricultural, Environmental and Medical Applications (Continuation, Japan)
The newly proposed continuation of the projects was adopted without any objections. There was no score ‘Low’ on any evaluation criteria and that budgetary arrangement of the projects was supported by Japan.
2) Public Information on Nuclear Energy (New, Malaysia)
There are some scores evaluated ‘Low’ in the new projects. However, several countries expressed strong interests in this proposal. Thus, proposer was strongly recommended to review various comments in Ex-ante evaluation for brush up for resubmission with idea of firm funding and clearer feasibility as a research project in the next CDM. Importance of this theme was shared among member countries and various other methods like taking up as topics for Study Pannel were also discussed for further consideration.
- Comprehensive Evaluation of FNCA Projects in 2024
The following impressions and constructive comments were received regarding the main activities of the workshop over the past year:- Almost all projects held workshops as face-to-face meeting combining with web manner. Such workshops realized the active discussion, information exchange. However, only participants in person were able to join important activities such as technical visits, hand-on trainings, and table-top exercises.
- There was an opinion that it was difficult for online participants to have a smooth two-way discussion because it was difficult to time their remarks. Every project leader and related participants hopefully attend the workshop in person for further active discussion.
- The sub-project leaders who will be the next project leaders of Japan were appointed as a new FNCA management in FY2024 and they are expected to participate the workshop from FY2025.
- For one project, the duration of the workshop was three days. Only scheduled two days was used to discuss the results and future plans. The discussion was proceeding very effectively, but in practice there was an opinion that it was not enough for full discussion. There was a request to extend the duration of the workshop by one more day. We will consider optimizing the duration of the workshops as needed.
- New Management Proposal
In order further to enhance FNCA project activities, two management proposals were presented.
1) Proposal of vice-chair in each project
A vice-chair playing the roles of facilitation of workshop sessions, arrangement of open seminars, site visits, and external press and summary of meeting minutes will be appointed to strengthen the leadership of workshop in each FNCA member country. The vice-chair is assumed by project leader of host country in each project in principle. This framework will start from April in 2025. The introduction of a vice-chair and the specific method of operation will be determined for each project.
2) Proposal for FNCA R&D Platform
FNCA marked 25th anniversary in 2024 and accumulated numerous outcomes such as manuals/guidelines, country reports presented in workshops, academic papers, good practices, publications, research data, open seminar videos, etc. However, this vast amount of data is not accessible to FNCA related members and is not being used effectively. This proposal is to develop a “Platform” where the participants from each FNCA country can easily access the outcomes to contribute to the advancement of nuclear and radiation technology in Asian countries. Such the user-friendly platform will be developed from 2026 if the budget can be obtained through preliminary studies and proposals at the 2025 Ministerial Meeting.
- Workshop Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025
The meeting agreed that workshops on eight projects to be organized by member Countries’ governments in FY 2025 as shown below. It was confirmed that each host country would proceed with preparations promptly. It is encouraged that the workshops be conducted in face-to-face that allows all participants to participate in important activities such as technical visits, hand-on trainings, and table-top exercises.
- Secretariat proposed to continue FNCA Award for Research Team for the work performed during FY2024 for encouragement for researchers and it was well acknowledged. Secretariat further explained award selection process and schedule to hold an award ceremony at the next Ministerial-level meeting and the idea was well acknowledged.
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