Filipino radiation tech goes rad at ICARST 2025 in Vienna, Austria
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Filipino radiation tech goes rad at ICARST 2025 in Vienna, Austria
Scientists and researchers from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) exude an international level of "rad" as they showcased the country's latest innovations in radiation processing at the 3rd International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST) in Vienna, Austria.
These include the Post-radiation Reactive Extrusion (PREx) Plastics Project, a research initiative which aims to use electron beam technology for the reprocessing and upcycling of plastic waste into new products that can be used for industries such as in construction and manufacturing.
The Institute also featured its polymer-modified hemostatic dressings for stopping bleeding in emergency and medical settings, as well as as its pioneering PHILGamma and Electron Beam Irradiation Facilities.
Read more: Filipino radiation tech goes rad at ICARST 2025 in Vienna, Austria
PNRI experts at Nuclear Science CAMP 2025
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Photos by DOST-SEI
PNRI experts at Nuclear Science CAMP 2025
Experts from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) showcased the various applications of nuclear science and technology to the participants of the Nuclear Science CAMP (Capacitating and Mentoring Program) from April 29 to 30, 2025
Spearheaded by the Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the two-day camp was hosted by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) with various pre-service and faculty members from all its campuses as participants.
Nuclear Energy is Green Energy, says DOST-PNRI
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Nuclear Energy is Green Energy, says DOST-PNRI
Amidst widespread blackouts and increasing electricity prices across the globe, the DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute once again supports the calls from various sectors for promoting the use of nuclear energy in the Philippines.
Speaking to members of the media, PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla and Dr. Ronald Gatchalian of the PNRI Nuclear Reactor Operations Section reiterated the merits of nuclear power as an invaluable future member of the country's energy mix, from its sheer energy density and high capacity factor to its sustainability as leading baseload source of electricity with virtually zero emissions contributing to global warming and climate change.
They were joined by members of nuclear advocacy organization Alpas Pinas and House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy Chairperson, Cong. Mark Cojuangco, who continued his calls for the enactment of bills currently pending in the Senate.
These are the PhilATOM bill aiming to create a national independent nuclear regulatory body as well as the bill for a new nuclear liability law to ensure the liabilities and responsibilities of facility operators in the event of a nuclear emergency.
2nd National Nuclear Olympiad Kicks Off Elimination Round
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Student-participants from across the country during the elimination round of the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad
2nd National Nuclear Olympiad Kicks Off Elimination Round
And the ball goes rolling as more than a hundred student contestants from secondary schools across the country, ready to showcase their mastery of atomic principles and applications, finally compete in the elimination round of the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO) this April 3.
The two-and-a-half hour written exam for the elimination round consists of a gauntlet of ten conceptual questions, five short problems and two long problems – one theoretical and another experimental – with questions covering various nuclear and radiation-related concepts such as atomic structure, environmental radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion, radiation risk and safety, history of nuclear science and its various applications.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), the 2nd PNSO aims to select the next generation of young Filipino nuclear scientists, who will represent the country in the upcoming 2nd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) in Malaysia by July this year.
To that end, the competition was opened to all Filipino secondary school students from 15 to 20 years old, who are not yet enrolled in college by August 31, 2025 in order to meet the INSO requirements.
And to further widen the net and ensure that the contest reaches out to the brightest talents from the country’s various regions, this year’s Olympiad is simultaneously held in four testing stations – the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) – Central Luzon Campus in Clark, Pampanga, PSHS – Central Visayas Campus in Argao, Cebu, PSHS – Central Mindanao Campus in Baloi, Lanao Del Norte, and the DOST-PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City for the National Capital Region.
The top 20 students, who will be announced on April 9, will be given the opportunity to participate in a further month-long training on nuclear science held by PNRI’s own researchers and specialists, after which a final exam will be held to select the top five winners – P25,000 for first place, P20,000 for second place, P15,000 for third place, P10,000 for fourth place and P5,000 for fifth place.
These leading students – four official participants and one reserve – will form the Philippine National Team for the 2nd INSO along with coaches from PNRI.
The first PNSO was held in December 2023 as part of the 51st Atomic Energy Week Celebration. Building on the remarkable success of the Philippine team at the 1st INSO, where the Philippines secured 2 gold and 1 silver medals, along with a "Nuclear Ambassador" title and top scorer award, the 2nd PNSO seeks to further cultivate excellence in nuclear science education within the country.
