VIENNA, June 10. /Dunyo IA/. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plans to hold the third international research coordination meeting on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear reactors in Tashkent on October 26–30, 2026, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The selection of Uzbekistan as the host country represents a well-deserved recognition of the republic's growing prestige in the nuclear energy sector and its exceptionally high level of cooperation with the IAEA.

The upcoming meeting will be dedicated to research and development aimed at accelerating the decommissioning of legacy reactors, including large research reactors. The participants will focus on advanced dismantling technologies, 3D modelling of structural material activation, radioactive waste management, gamma scanning, and other innovative methods.

In addition to IAEA specialists, scientists from Bulgaria, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Ukraine, the United States and Uzbekistan are expected to participate in the meeting.

Uzbekistan possesses significant practical experience in this field. Specifically, in 2017, the IIN-3M “Foton” research reactor located in Tashkent was successfully decommissioned with the assistance of the IAEA and international partners.

The experience gained through this project is of paramount importance for ensuring the safe dismantling of research reactors, the management of radioactive materials, and the application of international nuclear safety standards.

The hosting of this international event in Tashkent will contribute to further strengthening Uzbekistan's role in the fields of nuclear safety, scientific research, and international cooperation.

Furthermore, the meeting will provide domestic specialists with additional opportunities to exchange experience with leading international experts and expand access to advanced technologies.