Dr. Ansar Parvez Takes Over As PAEC Chief

March-April, 2009 Dr. Ansar Parvez takes over as PAEC Chief

Dr. Ansar Parvez took over as During the course of Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy his service in PAEC, Commission (PAEC) in a simple and he has been dignified ceremony held at PAEC H.Q. General Manager of on April 06, 2009. The outgoing Chashma Nuclear Chairman, Mr. Anwar Ali, had Power Unit-2. He completed his tenure of appointment. was elevated as Member (Science), The incoming Chairman paid glowing PAEC in 2006 to tributes to the services rendered by supervise the Mr. Anwar Ali in realizing the objectives Commission's of the PAEC Programme and Programme in the expressed his determination to live up domain of Nuclear to the successes and work values of his Medicine, predecessors. Agriculture, Biotechnology, In his farewell remarks, Mr. Anwar Ali R&D and Higher advised the PAEC personnel and Education. leadership to uphold time-honored traditions of the organization and work Before his selflessly for the strength and well appointment as being of the country. He expressed his Chairman, he was full confidence in the capabilities of his Member, Nuclear PAEC Chairman, Dr. Ansar Parvez (left) shaking hands with successor to steer the organization to Power Projects, outgoing Chairman, Mr. Anwar Ali after taking over the charge of the office. yet higher levels of achievements and excellence. looking after the Nuclear Power since its inception. Dr. Nazir Ahmad, Development Programme of the Dr. I. H. Usmani, Mr. MunirAhmed Khan, Dr. Ansar Parvez, who has risen up country. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, Mr. Parvez Butt and through the ranks of the organization, th Mr. Anwar Ali have served the brings to his job rich experience in Dr. Ansar Parvez is the 7 Chairman of Commission as Chairmen before him. diverse disciplines of Nuclear Science Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and Technology. His association with the Commission is spread over nearly four decades. He has to his credit accomplishment of varied assignments in the broad areas of Reactor Physics, Nuclear Safety, Nuclear Power Planning and Economics and Human Resource Development. Dr. Parvez did his M.Sc. Physics from Punjab University, Lahore, securing a gold followed by M.Sc. in Nuclear Group photo with outgoing Chairman, Mr.AnwarAli (centre) to his right, Dr.Ansar Parvez, Chairman, PAEC, Technology from Quaid-i-Azam Mr. Mansoor Ali Sheikh, Member (Finance), Maj. Gen. (Retd) Khalid Mushtaq, Member (Admin) and University, Islamabad. He earned his Mr. Abdul Hamid, Secretary, Commission. To his left, Mr. Ghulam Nabi, Member (Tech), Ph.D. in 1977 from Rensselaer Mr. Muhammad Naeem, Member (Fuel Cycle), Dr. Shoaib Ahmed, Member (Physical Sciences) and Polytechnic Institute of USA. Dr.Abdul Rashid, Member (Biosciences). 1 PINSTECH Observes its First Annual Development Review Day

Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science He informed that research and Three Evaluation Committees and Technology(PINSTECH) has been development programme of unanimously decided winners of the playing a pivotal role for various PINSTECH is multidisciplinary in best prizes in each category. The programmes of PAEC since its nature, which includes Physical Chairman, PAEC awarded the prizes. inception. The institute hosts one of the Sciences, Chemical Sciences, The Best Model Prize was awarded to best operational research facilities in Materials Sciences, Engineering Mr. Jehanzeb, Pr. Scientist, Health the region. Researchers at PINSTECH Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Physics Division on his model titled: are doing state-of-the-art research and Research Reactor Utilization. In view of “Radiation Protection Robot for High development work that has great scope national needs, our current research Radiation Area”. The Poster by NILOP and applications in the fields of themes include R&D work on nano titled: “Synthesis and Characterization environment, agriculture, life sciences, materials, super alloys, fuel for nuclear of Silicon Carbide Thin Films by industry and materials, etc. research reactors, waste remediation, Radiofrequency Reactive Magnetron For better awareness of young diagnostic and therapeutic Sputtering Technique” was declared as researchers and to promote radiopharmaceuticals and the Best Poster of the event. Isotope collaboration among various technical development of alternate energy Production Division won the Best Stall groups at the Institute, PINSTECH sources. He mentioned that the Annual Prize. At this occasion, Member Annual Development Review (ADR)- Development Review event has (Physical Sciences) and Director 2008 day was observed on April 15, provided a three prong strategy for General, PINSTECH presented 2009 upon the initiative of Dr. Shoaib scientific and technical evaluation of Souvenirs to the Chairman, PAEC. Ahmed, Member (Physical Sciences), R&D activities at PINSTECH. Firstly, it In his concluding address, Dr. Ansar PAEC. Dr. Jamshed H. Zaidi, CS has helped us to evaluate what we Parvez appreciated the theme of (Director Science) and Dr. Riffat M. have done in the past, what we are Qureshi, CS (Director Coordination) doing at present and what we should do Annual Development Review Day and acted as Convener and Chief in the future in view of our national advised that such performance Coordinator of the event respectively. needs. Secondly, it has helped evaluations should be held on annual All the 16 Divisions in 7 Directorates of researchers to explore areas for inter basis. He appreciated that through this PINSTECH participated in this event divisional collaboration. Thirdly and event, PINSTECH researchers have and displayed scientific models and most importantly, this event has very ably presented their best R&D posters at respective scientific stalls to provided an excellent opportunity to outputs in a short time span. highlight their R&D achievements seek advice and guidance from our He emphasized that goal oriented during the year 2008. seniors who have kindly graced the research and measurable progress occasion by their presence. This is must be the hallmark of work at R&D Dr. Ansar Parvez, Chairman, PAEC indeed a unique day when first time in establishments of PAEC. was the chief guest on the occasion. the history of PINSTECH, researchers He commended the commitment, Almost all the hierarchy of the have displayed the past exploits, dedication and hard work of Commission including DG's and present endeavors for assessment & scientists/engineers, technicians and Directors of PAEC Establishments in evaluation so as to streamline their supporting staff and attributed PAEC's Islamabad witnessed this first ever future S&T activities. success to these work virtues. venture of its type at PINSTECH. Many of them had deep affiliations with this mother Institute and recalled the memories of their past. The Chairman and other guests took active interest in the event and visited each scientific stall. They appreciated the fact that younger scientists & engineers were given chance to explain the posters and models. The Materials Division, PINSTECH mainly displayed high performance materials developed indigenously by researchers in this division. The Isotope Production Division displayed indigenously prepared radiopharmaceutical kits that are supplied to a number of medical centres and hospitals in Pakistan. Engr. Nasrullah Khan Qazi, Director General, PINSTECH, delivered vote of thanks and highlighted the salient features of PINSTECH R&D activities. A group photo taken on the occasion. 2 PIEAS Launches Master's Degree in Radiation and Medical Oncology

Radiology, nuclear medicine and Medicine”. programme in “Radiation and Medical radiation oncology are sometimes Oncology”. It comprises of one-year collectively termed as radiation At present, there are over 130 nuclear course-work in basic and clinical medicine. Pakistan Atomic Energy medicine physicians in Pakistan sciences preceded by a two-month Commission got engaged in this Recognizing the high academic zeroeth semester. Prominent peaceful application of radiations soon standards of this programme, oncologists of the country will after its creation when the first nuclear International Atomic Energy Agency contribute to the programme in addition medical centre was established in (IAEA)has included it in the to PIEAS faculty. The second year is Mayo Hospital, Lahore in 1963. The programmesand it actively sponsors devoted to research and clinical number of nuclear medical centres, the same in the form of allocation of training. For this purpose, students will which provide services in all the sub- Fellowships for attending it. Nagara be placed at leading institutes providing specialties of radiation medicine, has Tamaki, an eminent nuclear medicine healthcare in oncology. The students now grown to 13. The doctors who used physician from Japan, has written will be rotated between the institutes in to run these centres during initial years about the programme in his letter to order to expose them to clinical training were trained mostly in the West. “Journal of Nuclear Medicine”, a highly in all areas of oncology. Such training Foreseeing the need for nuclear valued publication in the field: will enable the graduates to treat physicians, Dr. Inam-ur-Rahman, the “One university in Pakistan offers an cancer patients using both radiation founder of Pakistan Institute of excellent nuclear medicine training and medicine. Engineering and Applied Sciences program including nuclear cardiology. The first batch consists of 11 students. (PIEAS) Islamabad initiated M.Sc. This extensive 2-year training and programme in nuclear medicine for It includes three fellows; two students teaching program requires preparation each from CENAR (Quetta) and AEMC doctors in 1988. With the support of and submission of a research thesis. Dr. Sher Mohammad Khan, the (Karachi); and one each from MINAR Such efforts may serve to increase the (Multan), INOR (Abbottabad), IRNUM programme began with very close number of nuclear cardiology scans association of several leading (Peshawar) and NLP (Islamabad). It is performed.” (J Nucl Med 2004 45: 19N- hoped that the graduates of M.Sc. international experts in the field 20N) including Dr. Alexander J. McEwan, (Radiation and Medical Oncology) will who is, now, the President of Society of Pursuant to urgent need for qualified provide good professional care to the Nuclear Medicine of America and the radiation oncologists in PAEC's Cancer patients in their respective centres, legendary, Dr. M. N. Maisey, author of Hospitals across the country, PIEAS especially in small cities like Quetta and the text-book “Clinical Nuclear has initiated a two-year M.Sc. Abbottabad.

One-day International Seminar on the Fabrication of low dimensional nanostructures (quantum wells, wires and dots) by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Directorate of National Institute of the importance of this session in his performance devices. These devices Lasers and Optronics (NILOP) address. are used in such applications as fiber- organized a One Day International optics, cellular phones, satellites, radar Currently, NILOP has commissioned Seminar on the fabrication of low systems, and display devices. This Molecular Beam Epitaxy( MBE) system dimensional nanostructures (quantum system will provide a pivot for which will be helpful for the research of wells, wires and dots) by molecular promoting nation-wide inter- international standard in the area of low beam epitaxy held at PINSTECH on disciplinary research for scientific th dimensional nanostructures. Molecular 30 , January 2009. Three and technological development. Beam Epitaxy produces complex distinguished speakers, Dr. Bodo The particular contribution of the structures of varying layers which are Richter, Dr. Andereas Thissen from M/s system will be manpower development further processed to produce a range of Specs Germany and Dr. Arshad by imparting research-based higher electronic and optoelectronic devices, Mahmood, Project Director, Nano- education (M.Phil, Ph.D. and Post including high speed transistors, light- devices Labs from NILOP/PINSTECH Doc.) in the area of Nano-materials emitting diodes, and solid state lasers. delivered lectures related to the indigenously, thereby helping to meet MBE is a powerful technique both for fabrication of low dimensional the need for Human Resource research into new materials and layer nanostructures by molecular beam Development in Pakistan in this structures, and for producing high- epitaxy. DG, PINSTECH elaborated emerging technology. PAEC’s NIA Tandojam organizes Farmers’ Day-2009

PAEC’s Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Tandojam organized Farmers’ Day on Wednesday 25th February 2009. Dr. Abdul Hameed Bajoi, Vice Chancellor, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, Balochistan graced the occasion as the chief guest. Those who attended included progressive growers, members of Provincial Seed Council, representatives of Sindh Zarai Forum, Sindh Abadgar Board, Chamber of Agriculture, Private Seed Corporations, Department of Agriculture and the media. Mr. Muhammad Afzal Arain , Director, NIA, highlighted the achievements of Dr. Abdul Hameed Khan Bajoi, Vice Chancellor, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, the Institute. He said that the research Uthal, chief guest and others addressing the participants of Farmers’ Day at NIA, Tandojam. activities of the institute are performed in the four important disciplines of laboratory has been established at shortage of irrigation water, increasing agriculture, namely Plant Breeding & Rani Pur Sugar Mills, which will prices of inputs and their non- Genetics, Plant Protection, Plant facilitate the farmers of Sukkur, availability at proper times. The Physiology and Soil Science. The Khairpur and Sadiqabad for speakers appreciated the scientific institute has evolved 22 high yielding, economical and eco-friendly achievements of NIA in enhancing their good quality and better adapted management of insect pests. agricultural productivity by introducing different productive and protective varieties of important crops such as Water logging and salinity is a serious wheat (9), rice (6), cotton (3), technologies. The chief guest, Dr. Bajoi problem being addressed globally. NIA in his address appreciated the efforts of sugarcane (2), mungbean (1) and lentil has introduced trees, which serve as (1). These varieties have contributed NIA scientists and urged the promotion biological pumps for lowering down the of research activities in the new areas. significantly in the national economy water table. Through Farmers and have improved the socio- He also emphasized to establish joint Participatory Development Project on projects with Balochistan government economic conditions of the farmers. Saline Agriculture, successful efforts The institute research is based on the and with the Lasbela University of have been made in district Badin to Agriculture. present needs of the growers. New utilize wastelands under saline varieties of crop species have been environments. A scientific exhibition was also evolved which besides their higher launched. The participants witnessed yield have also potential to thrive under Raees Abdul Majeed Nizamani, the achievements of scientists by biotic (diseases) and abiotic (high President, Sindh Aabadgar Board, and visiting the green wheat fields of seed temperature, drought and salinity) others including Mr. Noor Ahmad multiplication and various stresses. Nizamani, Major (Retd) Omar experiments. Lastly, Director Farooque, Dr. Fareed Laghari, Dr. M. Muhammad Afzal Arain offered vote of Besides released varieties, cases of Sarwar Bughio, Mr. Zahir Hussain, thanks. two new high yielding wheat varieties, Mr. Tariq Khanzada, representing NIA-Amber and NIA-Sonehri, and a different forums of farming community Earlier, Dr. Abdul Hameed Bajoi, Vice high yielding good fiber quality cotton gave their views. Their major Chancellor visited different labs and variety NIA-2008 are lying with Sindh complaints were related to the had thorough discussions with the Government for release in the scientists. Province. Introduction of new hybrids of rice may enhance production in the rice growing areas, but it needs the quality assurance of seed and proper quarantine measures. Rice varieties evolved by NIA have excellent yield potential and fetch comparatively higher market value than the hybrid ones. NIA has developed a biocontrol technology for insect pest management of important crops and fruits. The technology is finding a wide use by the farming community of Sindh. Recently, a new bio-control Participants of Farmers’ Day visiting fields of NIA, Tandojam. Front (Centre) Dr. Abdul Hameed Khan Bajoi, chief guest. 4 Three-dayWorkshop on Bio-Control Technology atPAEC’s NIA, Tandojam

The insect pests are conventionally controlled by indiscriminate use of large quantities of insecticides, which produce several undesirable effects including development of resistance to insecticides, toxic residues in the produce, environmental pollution, destruction of beneficial organisms and health risks. The concept of Integrated Pest Management [IPM] is becoming popular because it encourages the use of several components in the pest control system in a harmonious combination and minimal impact on the environment. Biological control is a basic component of an IPM system and has been used successfully at global level to combat many insect pests. Participants of the workshop with chief guest and Director, NIA.

Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) technique for the management of fruit work for the residue free production of has developed a bio-control flies at farmer's field. the crops and fruits. The participants technology for the insect pest took keen interest in preparation of management of sugarcane and cotton To introduce the bio-control technology artificial diets of fruit flies and the crops. During the year 2007 2008, NIA in the insect pest management set up of predator, Chrysoperla carnea. In the succeeded in releasing the bio-control Pakistan, NIA organized a three day concluding ceremony, the chief guest agents on 98 thousand hectares of training workshop on Bio-Control Dr. Naeem Ahmed Laghari, Director sugarcane for the management of Technology from 24 to 26 March 2009 NIMRA, Jamshoro distributed borers and on 600 hectares of cotton to which was attended by 30 participants certificates to the participants of manage the bollworms and sucking from all over the country. The workshop workshop. He appreciated the efforts of pest complexes. Mass rearing of fruit was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad NIA for holding such an important fly, Bactrocera zonata and its Afzal Arain, Director, NIA who workshop to minimize the usage of parasitoids are being done at NIA and highlighted the need for eco-friendly insecticides as many toxic chemicals the bio-control agents are being insect pest management in the present are causing serious diseases like integrated with male annihilation scenario and urged the participants to cancer, he mentioned.

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MU ET) Jamshoro NIFA awarded ISO 9001-2000 Organizes a talk on "Contributions of PAEC” certification

Mehran University of Engineering and regarding job opportunities in PAEC NIFA has been awarded ISO 9001- Technology (MU ET), Jamshoro and in its infrastructure. 2000 certification. On behalf of Bureau organized a talk on "Contributions of Veritas, Director, DQA, Mr. Shahid PAEC towards Socio-Economic Uplift The Vice Chancellor, MUET, Jamshoro Hussain, presented the certificate in a of Pakistan” on March 14, 2009. appreciated the efforts and thanked ceremony held at NIFA. Dr. Naeem Ahmed Laghari, Director, Dr. Naeem Ahmed Laghari, NIMRA for giving such informative The event was chaired by Dr. Abdul Director,Nuclear Institute of Medicine & presentation. The Vice Chancellor, Rashid, Member (Biosciences), PAEC. Radiotherapy (NIMRA), while MUET and Director, NIMRA also Dr. Tariq Jamal Solaija, DG, Technical, addressing the participants, said that agreed to sign an MoU between PAEC along with Directors Technical, PAEC is continuously contributing to NIMRA and Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Raskhshanda Bilal and Dr. Shafqat the development of the nation by MUET for the teachers training and Farooq were also present at the utilization of nuclear technology over training/internship for final year occasion. Dr. Farooq-e-Azam, Director the years in the filed of Nuclear Power students of Biomedical Engineering NIFA, Dr. Aurengzeb and Mr. Fazal Generation, Medical & Health discipline for the year 2009-10. The Mehmood (DMR) were conferred Sciences, Agriculture and Industries, draft of the same has already been special awards in recognition of their etc. In the question-answer session, submitted to Chairman, PAEC for endeavours in achieving the students asked the questions approval. certification. 5 Coordination Meeting held at NIFA

A three-day coordination meeting of agricultural production of the country. A special committee headed by PAEC agriculture/biotechnology In his inaugural address, Member Director, NIFA and comprising institutes was held at NIFA, Peshawar (Biosciences) appreciated the directors of the participating institutes from April 1-3, 2009 to review the R&D research work being carried out by the was formulated to prepare activities and discuss the future plan of participating institutes and highlighted recommendations of the meeting. work. The meeting was chaired by the need to convene such meetings These recommendations were Member (Biosciences), Dr. Abdul regularly. presented before the participants in the Rashid. Director, NIFA, Dr. Farooq-e- concluding session followed by a Azam presented welcome address. Directors of NIFA, NIAB, NIBGE and general discussion session. In his Addressing the inaugural session, NIA presented an overview of research concluding remarks, Member DG, Technical, Dr. Tariq Jamal Solaija activities being undertaken at their (Biosciences) provided guidelines for emphasized on well oriented and institutes and the salient future R&D work at the agriculture and coordinated research efforts to improve achievements. biotechnology institutes.

From (L to R) Dr. Farooq-e-Azam, Director, NIFA, Dr. Tariq Jamal Solaija, DG (Technical ) and Dr. Abdul Rashid, Member (Biosciences) addressing the Coordination Meeting. NIAB holds Annual Training Course on "Safety Measures in the use of Radiation”

PAEC's Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad organized the 15th training course on the "Safety Measures in the use of Radiation in Agriculture and Biological Research" from 6-10 April, 2009. The objective of the course was to create awareness and impart knowledge on the use of atomic radiations and their safe handling at work places and radiation hazard areas. The course was attended by 32 participants representing 25 R&D organizations and universities of the country. This course has been a regular annual activity of the Institute and more than 315 researchers and academicians have been trained so far. The course was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Iqrar A. Khan addressing the audience, seated to his right are Dr. Nasim Akhtar, Course Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Organizer, Syed Anwar Shah, Director NIAB, Dr. Zafar M. Khalid, Director, NIBGE and Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Professor Dr. Iftikhar A. Khan, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, UAF. Faisalabad. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khan appreciated the research last 15 years. Earlier, Director NIAB, are also benefiting from other achievements and efforts of NIAB for Syed Anwar Shah, highlighted the technologies developed by the dissemination of knowledge and achievements of the Institute. He Institute. human resource development in the mentioned that 26 improved varieties Dr. Mubrik Ali, Chief Executive, Punjab country. He commended the efforts of evolved by NIAB are grown on vast Agricultural Research Board (PARB), course organizer and patronage of area in the country. The additional Lahore was the chief quest at the PAEC authorities for regularly income accruing from these varieties concluding session. organizing this training course for the runs into billions of rupees and farmers 6 Chairman's Assignment Abroad Switzerland. (Pakka Anna, IWASRI Lahore Field H H Sites; Shorkot and Pindi Bhattian) Dr. Ansar Parvez, Chairman, Dr. Owais bin Qadeer Gill (MS from 24-28 February 2009 Pakistan Atomic Energy NuclearM edicine, SMO PINUM) under Public Sector Linkage Commission participated in the attended a training programme in Programme/ACIAR Project. International Ministerial Conference cardiac SPECT at Royal Adelaide on Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century Hospital (RAH) Adelaide, Australia Foreign Trainee under IAEAAward held at Beijing, People's Republic of (24 Nov to 24 Dec, 2008). This H China from 20-22 April, 2009. He training was conducted in connection Mr. Franklinn Ikechukwn Ajaebili made a presentation on Status and with International Council for Genetic (Nigeria) who has been accepted for Prospects of Nuclear Energy in Engineering and Biotechnology 3 months IAEA Fellowship under Pakistan in this International agency (ICGEB) sponsored IAEA Technical Cooperation Ministerial Conference. research project titled “Cardiac Programme (6 weeks each at INMOL, Lahore and NIBGE, Member's Visit Abroad SPECT imaging and its correlation with DNA mutations in LDL receptor Faisalabad) has started his first spell gene in Familial Hyperlipidemia”. It of six weeks Fellowship Training at H Mr. Zia-ul-Hasan Siddiqui, Member INMOL, Lahore in the field of (Nuclear Power Generation), PAEC was focused on techniques used for cardiac stress and study acquisition. Radioimmunoassay from 31 March paid one-day visit to NPGS, San to 14 April, 2009. Thereafter, he will Diego, USAon 08April, 2009. This training not only improved his skill required for carrying out Nuclear join NIBGE, Faisalabad for further Assignments of PAEC Scientists Cardiology studies, but will also help six weeks Training in PCR Abroad in better accomplishment of the Technology from 15 April to 31 May above mentioned project. 2009. H Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Choudhry, H Assignment of Expatriate Pakistani Deputy Chief Engineer, Head, Mr. Sajid Bashir (MS Medical Consultant under VEPCON Isotope Application Division (lAD), Physics, SS, PINUM) participated in Directorate of Technology, 5-day training Course arranged by Programme PINSTECH, Islamabad undertook IAEAin cooperation with Bangladesh H Dr. Ghazala Naheed Usmani, assignment as an IAEA Expert for Atomic Energy Commission, on Associate Professor of Pediatrics IAEA/RCA Executive Meeting on Quality Assurance in Nuclear Chair, Pediatric Palliative Care, Application of Isotope Techniques to Medicine for Medical Physicists in University of Massachusetts Medical Solve Hydrological Problems at Dhaka from 18-02-09 to 22-02-2009. Center, USA (Specialist in Pediatric Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 20-24 A total of 18 participants from 9 Hematology Oncology) carried out April 2009. different countries attended the course. The objective of the course assignment at INMOL, Lahore from H Mr. Shahid Akbar Khalil, Senior was to impart the importance of 23 February 2009 to 5 March 2009 Scientist and Mr. Zahid Mahmood, quality assurance in Nuclear under VEPCON Programme. PAEC Junior Scientist, Food Science Medicine and its ultimate effect in the doctors at INMOL, Lahore discussed Division at Nuclear Institute for Food proper diagnosis of diseases. with her Pediatric Hematology and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar Dr. George El Fakhri of Harvard Malignancy Unit to be started in participated in IAEA/RCA Regional Medical School, USA and Dr. Roger Training course on “Use of Irradiation Faulton of University of Sydney as a Phytosanitary Application for delivered lectures on different HMC-3 Engineer awarded Economically Important Fruits” held aspects of quality assurance and the at Beijing, China from 23-27 role of medical physicist in a nuclear Ph.D. degree February 2009. The training was medical centre. Overall, the training organized under RCA project on will enhance his performance Dr. Miraj Mohammad Jan, “Novel Applications of Food evaluation of modern instruments in Senior Engineer, HMC-3 Irradiation Technology for Improving imaging physics. has been awarded Ph.D. degree by the University of Socio-economic Development”. Visits of Foreigners to Pakistan Both the scientists also made Leoben, Austria in the field of mechanical engineering. presentations on the subject. H Dr. Carl Christian Dingel, Deputy The topic of his thesis was Project Coordinator, Organization for H Dr. Ihsanullah, DCS/Head Food “Application of Damage Tolerant Agriculture in Saline Environment Science Division, NIFA, Peshawar Design in Mechanical Engineering”. undertook assignment as an expert (OASE), Amesterdam, Netherlands to Budapest, Hungary from 23-27 will visit NIAB/ Projects Site Biosaline In the course of his research work, February 2009 for the inspection of Research Station (BSRS), Lahore Dr. Jan combined advanced High Dose Research Irradiator to be and Pacca Anna from 25-28 April, experimental methods in the areas of supplied to NIFA. 2009 under Biosaline Agroforestry mechanics and micromechanics of Project. materials, leading to a novel and H Dr. Abubaker Shahid, H promising method of obtaining stress- DCMO/Director, PINUM, Faisalabad Dr. Nico Marcar, Research life diagrams from the basic static and participated in “11th International (Australia) along with fatigue crack growth properties of Conference-Primary Therapy of Dr. Theiveyanathan Swaminathan metallic alloys, and applying them to Early Breast Cancer” from 11-14 and Dr. Punthakey Jehangir design computations, especially in the March 2009 at St. Gallen's Framroze (Australia) visited NIAB context of damage tolerant design. 7 PAEC’s Directorate General of Safety Organizes Training Course on Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, 20-24 April 2009

Thousands of shipments of radioactive materials of all kinds are transported daily on international and national routes. These consignments, which are carried by road, rail, sea, air and inland waterways, can range from smoke detectors and cobalt sources for medical uses to nuclear fuel cycle materials for electricity generation. Safety measures have been developed to protect people, property and the environment against the hazards posed Mr. Ghulam Nabi (Member Technical), PAEC addressing the gathering at the inaugural session. by these transport activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency Members of teaching faculty themselves in these exercises. Three (IAEA) has published harmonized comprising of officers from DGS, videos one of thirty minutes duration regulations known as TS-R-1 for the DNFC, PINSTECH, NORI, KNC-I, and other two of about ten minutes safe transport of radioactive material Chairman Secretariat and Security duration each were also shown to the worldwide by all means of transport. Division, PAEC delivered lectures. participants. These videos were very Mr. Ibrar A. Sheikh, Deputy Chief much appreciated by the participants PNRA has already adopted in toto Scientist was the Coordinator of this as being very informative. The videos these IAEA regulations (TS-R-1 2003 Course. provided an overview of the transport Version) as national regulations for the activities and transport practices being safe transport of radioactive material. In A total of eighteen lectures were carried out worldwide. In the final order to provide awareness and in- delivered during the course of five days session, a practical demonstration on depth knowledge on the application of including fourteen lectures on various the preparation of A-type package these IAEA regulations to PAEC topics related to TS-R-1 requirements, containing Technetium Generator and professionals, Directorate General of three lectures on the implementation of Iodine Isotope was given covering the Safety (DGS) organized a Training these regulations and one practical dimensions of the Course. Course on Safe Transport of demonstration/presentation on Radioactive Material based on IAEA package preparation. The Course was concluded by Transport Regulations (TS-R-1 2003 Mr. Muhammad Naeem, Member (Fuel Version) from 20-24 April, 2009 at The participants were provided folders Cycle) on 24 April, 2009. DGs & Islamabad. This was the second containing copies of the IAEA Directors of various PAEC Course on this topic organized by DGS. regulations TS-R-1 and IAEA Advisory Establishments attended the function. The first Course was held in 2006 in Material. The IAEA Advisory Material Certificates were awarded to all the which 65 participants from various provides the explanation of the participants by Member (Fuel Cycle). PAEC Establishments attended the requirements of transport regulations course. The present Course was TS-R-1 in greater detail and also the inaugurated by Mr. Ghulam Nabi, basis for determining the dose rate on Member (Technical), PAEC in a simple the surface of the package or on ceremony. DGs & Directors of various conveyance depending on the type of PAEC Establishments attended the package. In addition, the participants function. were also provided a CD containing relevant documents issued by IAEA Fifty participants from various PAEC for the implementation of these Establishments, SPD Security Division regulations. and PAEC Security Directorate including participants from Pakistan To make the Training Course more Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air interactive, three group exercises were Mr. Muhammad Naeem, Member (Fuel Cycle), PAEC arranged. These exercises proved very awarding a certificate to one of the participants. Force and International Relations Seen in the middle is Dr. Syed Arif Ahmad, DG, DGS. Analysts attended this Training Course. useful as the participants fully involved

Edited and produced by Muhammad Ijaz, Director, Scientific Information and Public Relations, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission P.O. Box No 1114, Islamabad, e-mail:[email protected] 8