7^th International
Conference on Isotopes

I AM HONORED TO WELCOME YOU TO THE 7th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ISOTOPES, AND TO MOSCOW ITS HOST CITY.

Isotopes long ago gained a firm footing in our daily lives. Today they are used in nuclear medicine, agriculture, and environmental safety. Russia possesses extraordinary experience in nuclear technology, production of isotope products, and non-destructive testing. It seems fitting to me, that this conference — the seventh ICI — should be held in Moscow.

The International Conference on Isotopes, convened once every three years, is distinguished by the preeminence of its participants. Heads of companies and leading scientists from all over the world gather to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues. Since the previous International Conference on Isotopes, held in Seoul, Korea, in 2008, concern has grown regarding production and distribution of isotopes. These problems need to be resolved collectively by the professional community.

Another particularly acute problem is the shortage in global supply of molybdenum-99, a key isotope for medicine. The deficit in supply has reached serious proportions, with the wait for vital diagnostic tests growing longer each day. Therefore, we must devote conference discussions to the development of new isotope production technologies and pay comprehensive attention to ensuring safe production, transportation, and disposal of isotopes as well as the proper legislative base for those activities. These matters give an even more important place to appropriate staffing for the isotope field. Professional training must move to the foreground of our discussions.

Application of radioisotopes to benefit mankind could contribute significantly to promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This area has come under worldwide scrutiny due to the serious accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

I trust that the 7th International Conference on Isotopes, with the collective experience and wisdom of its participants, will help us find the right approaches to today’s challenges in the increasingly important isotope industry.

I wish you all success and fruitful cooperation.

Sergey Kirienko
Director General
State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom