Zambia nuclear science students join academy in Russia

By Wallace Mawire

Students from Zambia were among those invited to join counterparts from across the world for a specialised two-week programme of lectures and practical sessions delivered by distinguished experts in the field of radiation application and isotope production.

  It is reported that the current session is running from October 14 to 25, 2019, in Obninsk, Russia’s first science city.

  It is reported to be a  a significant step in the establishment of a system for training personnel for future Centers of Nuclear Science and Technology (CNSTs).
   On May 15, 2018, Zambia and Rosatom signed a general contract for the construction of a CNST in Chongwe.

  The project will be implemented in several stages within 3 to 6 years from the start date.
“It is also important to note that there will be other resultant benefits such as increased foreign exchange earnings, creation of employment opportunities, gaining access to the international markets for Zambia’s agricultural products and increased competitiveness and viability of Zambian industries,” said former Higher Education Minister Hon. Nkandu Luo.

“The establishment of The Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology will be useful for training of personnel for nuclear programmes. It is also important to note that there will be other resultant benefits such as increased foreign exchange earnings, creation of employment opportunities, gaining access to the international markets for Zambia’s agricultural products and increased competitiveness and viability of Zambian industries,’ she added.
   The research reactor (RR) is the heart of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology. Globally 243 research reactors are in operation in 55 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Algeria, Congo and South Africa, and 10 more are now under construction.
   Zambia will become the 9^th African country to possess a research reactor of 10 MW. Its main applications in industry are transport installations, seawater desalination, hydrogen production, district heating, industrial radiography and other non-destructive testing methods, material modification and security screening systems.
   Earlier this year, on February 22, 2019, Rosatom Technical Academy and the World Nuclear University (WNU) signed an agreement to hold a specialised WNU school on radiation technologies in Russia in preparation for construction by Rosatom of various Centres of Nuclear Science and Technology (CNSTs), around the world, including the one being built at Chongwe in Zambia.
   It is held biennially by the WNU in collaboration with the IAEA. The previous school was organised in 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with the agency providing the school with financial support through scholarships.