Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is the most common technique used in research reactors worldwide. The IAEA aims to enhance quality assurance in NAA laboratories by supporting annual proficiency testing, by developing and offering relevant e-learning as well as specialized publications. This publication, which is based on the most up to date relevant ISO guides and international practices, provides practical guidance on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in NAA laboratories. It is intended to be used in the day-to-day work of NAA at research reactors. Potential sources of errors and associated QA/QC actions are detailed for all main areas of NAA practice. Easy to use tables are provided, intended for direct reference in the laboratory.

Fusion energy has potential to contribute to meeting global demand for sustainable energy Increasingly, progressive fusion enterprises are seeking new pathways for the commercialization of the technology, bringing fresh ideas and different perspectives. This publication is a summary of an IAEA Workshop on this topic, outlining the main elements for the development of alternative commercialization pathways for fusion energy systems in the coming decades, bringing together expert opinions from the diverse range of disciplines that are essential to fusion's commercial success. It highlights several critical aspects to consider for new pathways and provides an outline of a roadmap for their development.

In recent decades, the number of IAEA Member States planning to extend the operation of their nuclear power plants (NPPs) beyond the time frame originally anticipated has steadily increased. These decisions have been influenced by the significant economic advantages offered by the long term operation (LTO) of existing NPPs. This Safety Report complements IAEA Safety Standards Series Nos SSR-2/2 (Rev. 1), Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Commissioning and Operation, and SSG-48, Ageing Management and Development of a Programme for Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants. It provides information on selected topics from the latter, and specifically, it addresses data collection and record keeping, scope setting for structures, systems and components, plant programmes, corrective action programmes, and documentation of ageing management and LTO assessment. The publication focuses on NPPs throughout their lifetime, including operation beyond the time frame originally established for their operation and decommissioning, while considering the different reactor designs that exist around the world. It is also relevant for facilities for spent fuel storage and radioactive waste management at NPPs. It may also be used as a basis for managing the ageing of other nuclear installations and for radioactive waste management facilities. This Safety Report is intended to provide information for operating organizations but may be also used by regulatory bodies.

Pressure tube deformation is an important aging issue in operating heavy water reactors (HWRs) and the R&D community continues to develop improved predictive models for in-reactor deformation. To progress research on this topic, a coordinated research project on prediction of axial and radial creep in pressure tubes was conducted to investigate predictive model biases when applied to different reactor units and to gain new insights into the effects of operating conditions as well as microstructure/manufacturing effects. This publication documents the work performed and the results obtained by six participating Member States’ institutes, all with currently operating HWRs. The publication summarizes various modelling and predictive approaches considered for utilization within the nuclear industry in support of operating reactors. The findings offer some direction for incorporating the intrinsic material properties into the predictive models needed for pressure tube service life management.

X ray imaging is used extensively in dentistry to diagnose symptoms, plan and monitor treatments and to follow up pathoses. This Safety Report provides guidance on meeting the requirements for radiation protection and safety in uses of ionizing radiation in dentistry established in IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3, Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards. It includes guidelines for the justification and appropriateness of medical exposure, and the optimization of radiation protection and safety for patients, carers and dental staff, with detail on considerations relevant for children and pregnant women. Quality assurance, dosimetry and the operation of dental radiological equipment are also discussed. This publication is intended for dental practitioners, referring medical practitioners, medical radiation technologists and other dental health professionals, as well as medical physicists, radiation protection experts, manufacturers and regulators.

This publication highlights the importance of mentoring and coaching for knowledge transfer across the generations of the workforce. It captures successful mentoring and coaching practices and approaches being followed by different types of nuclear organizations including at nuclear power plants, technical support organizations, national nuclear organizations and regulatory bodies. The publication also includes case studies from Member State organizations that have used mentoring and coaching as an effective tool for knowledge transfer, skill building and performance improvement.

This proceedings publication presents the outcome of an IAEA conference on occupational radiation protection. The conference provided an important opportunity to review recent technical and regulatory developments concerning occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in all facilities and activities. It brought together experts from a wide range of countries and international organizations to report on and discuss the progress made in identifying, quantifying, and managing the radiological risks associated with workplaces. The revision of international basic safety standards, which was completed during the period since the last conference, provided an important backdrop to the presentations and discussion. The publication includes the conference summary, opening addresses, and presentations from the twelve topical sessions and four round table discussions.

A variety of past activities and events have resulted in contamination of sites and areas by residual radioactive material. In cases where relevant criteria are exceeded, remediation should be implemented to reduce radiation exposure due to contamination, taking into account other non-radiological hazards as appropriate. Remediation includes any actions applied to the contamination itself (the source) or to the exposure pathways to people. This Safety Guide provides recommendations on the planning and implementation of remediation of sites and areas affected by past activities and events based on a systematic, stepwise approach, taking account of the specific characteristics of a given situation and the prevailing circumstances. The Safety Guide is targeted at regulatory bodies, responsible parties, operating organizations and other parties involved in the remediation of sites or areas and contributing to the recovery process to ensure the protection of people and the environment.

Over the past few decades, many studies have found elevated natural radionuclide activity concentrations in wastes and residues from a wide range of industrial activities that are not part of the nuclear fuel cycle. Member States experienced challenges in finding feasible and implementable approaches for the proper management of such naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) wastes and residues. This proceedings publication arises from the IAEA conference, NORM 2020, convened to address these issues. The conference was focused on the sharing of experiences in the management of NORM in industrial operations with the aim of contributing to the harmonization of practical approaches and adoption of good practices. This was the first IAEA NORM conference with this focus and builds upon previous events organized by the international community and progress in this area to date worldwide. Unique to NORM 2020 was that it brought together different stakeholders to identify current issues and expected future challenges and possible strategies for dealing with them. Although the conference was focused on industrial operations it also considered the latest technological developments and research work, regulatory requirements, and safety aspects.

Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design.

The Nuclear Law Institute (NLI) is one of the main activities within the IAEA's training programme on nuclear law and legislative drafting. With approximately 600 officials trained since 2011, the NLI has made a major contribution to the establishment and enhancement of adequate national nuclear legal frameworks in Member States. This publication is intended to provide information on the background, programme and methodology of the NLI, and its impact on Member States. Reflection on current topics, trends and developments in international and national nuclear law to which the NLI has contributed through the past decade is also included. The publication brings together contributions from NLI organizers, facilitators, lecturers and alumni.