Title: The DRC’s advances in the field of nuclear energy: a step towards scientific and technological development
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently participated in the 67th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was held in Vienna, Austria. The Minister of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, Gilbert Kabanda, presented a summary report of the work discussed during this conference. Among the subjects discussed, we find cooperation between the IAEA and the DRC, the restart of the Kinshasa nuclear reactor, the fight against cancer with the construction of a Diagnostic and Radiotherapy Center, as well as the creation of a National Higher School of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques. These advances demonstrate the DRC’s commitment to scientific and technological development, thus opening new perspectives for the country.
The signing of the National Framework Program 2023-2028:
One of the highlights of the DRC’s participation in the IAEA conference was the signing of the 2023-2028 National Framework Program for cooperation between the IAEA and the country. This cooperation will allow the DRC to benefit from the expertise and resources of the IAEA in the field of nuclear energy. This is an important step for the DRC, which will thus be able to strengthen its capacities in scientific and technological research.
The restart of the Kinshasa nuclear reactor:
Another topic discussed at the conference was the restart of the Kinshasa nuclear reactor. This reactor, installed at the Kinshasa Regional Center for Nuclear Studies (CREN-K), on the site of the University of Kinshasa, offers the DRC the possibility of carrying out research and experiments in the field of nuclear energy. . The restart of this reactor will allow the DRC to exploit its scientific and technological potential, and thus contribute to the development of the country.
The fight against cancer:
The construction of a Diagnostic, Multidisciplinary and Radiotherapy Center for the fight against cancer was also discussed during the conference. This initiative demonstrates the DRC’s desire to strengthen health infrastructure in the field of oncology. Thanks to this center, patients will be able to benefit from early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thus helping to improve cancer care in the country.
The creation of a National Higher School of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques:
Finally, the creation of a National Higher School of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques in the DRC was discussed during the conference. This initiative aims to train a new generation of scientists and experts in the field of nuclear energy. The school will provide the knowledge and skills needed to develop and exploit nuclear resources safely and responsibly.
Conclusion :
The DRC’s participation in the 67th Session of the IAEA General Conference demonstrates its commitment to scientific and technological development in the field of nuclear energy. The advances mentioned during this conference, such as the signing of the National Framework Program, the restart of the nuclear reactor in Kinshasa, the construction of a Diagnostic and Radiotherapy Center against cancer, as well as the creation of a National Higher School of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques, open new perspectives for the DRC. These initiatives will enable the DRC to strengthen its capacities in scientific and technological research, to develop its nuclear potential and thus contribute to the development of the country.