The beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology in food and agriculture, health care, industry, energy, and the environment are to be highlighted during the joint celebrations of the golden jubilee of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the 36th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) on December 8 to 12, 2008. The theme for this year’s celebration, according to PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa, is "PNRI @ 50: Making Nuclear Science and Technology Work for You."

The highlights of the week-long golden jubilee and AEW celebrations are: the scientific sessions on December 9 to 11 organized with the relevant professional societies/organizations; the technical poster contest; National Science Quiz for high school students on December 10 and soft launching of new/upgraded laboratories and facilities at PNRI during the closing ceremonies on December 12. The laboratories/facilities that are launched by DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano P. Yumul are the following: the Environmental Isotope Center, Analytical Measurements Research laboratory, Carrageenan Hydrogel Pilot plant, Microbiology laboratory, Central Alarm System, Multipurpose Irradiation Facility and the Emergency Response Support Center.

The scientific sessions are to feature the applications of nuclear science and technology in health care on December 9, nuclear S & T applications in food, industry and environment on December 10 and safety and security of nuclear S and T on December 11. Among the 18 topics to be discussed during the three-day scientific sessions are : The Need to Revisit the Linear Non-Threshold Theory as Basis for Health Effects of Low Dose Radiation by Dr. Carlito R. Aleta, former PNRI Director and Coordinator of the International Atomic Energy Agency-Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA); The Role of Irradiation in Reducing Food Insecurity by Dr. Robert L. Griffin, Director, Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory, Center for Plant Health Science and Technology of the United States Department of Agriculture; Nuclear Energy in Power Generation by Pio J. Buenanavidez, Sr., Vice-President of National Power Corporation; Safety and Security of Radiation Sources: Global Threat by Eulinia M. Valdezco, Chief of PNRI’s Nuclear Regulations, Licensing and Safeguards Division; and Philippine Nuclear S & T @ 50 and Beyond by PNRI Director Alumanda M. dela Rosa.

Thousands of students and teachers are expected to visit the PNRI who will be availing themselves of the guided tours, film showing, interactive exhibits and the educational game of radioactive source hunting.

For more information please contact Eulinia M. Valdezco, 2008 AEW Executive Committee Chairperson, at information@pnri.dost.gov.ph.