Pakistani nuclear scientists, institution bag int’l awards

In recognition of Pakistan's advancement in the application of nuclear technology for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country’s scientists and an institution have been honoured with prestigious international awards in three categories.

The awards certificates will be presented during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 65th General Conference in September 2021, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday.

The IAEA and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have jointly conferred the “Outstanding Achievement Award” on Pakistan's Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), it said.

The “Team Achievement Award” for work in the same area has also gone to a group of four scientists in the PAEC. The third award, “Young Scientist Award”, has also been bagged by a PAEC scientist for work in plant mutation breeding and related technologies.

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"The selection of a Pakistani institution and scientists among the recipients of these awards is recognition of Pakistan's advancement in the application of nuclear technology for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including food security," read the communiqué.

"Extensive civilian nuclear applications in Pakistan are directly contributing to the well-being of the people and national development in the areas of public health, medicine, agriculture, industry and nuclear power generation," it added.