Members of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA) Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) have met for the fourth time in Austria, Vienna from 15-19 February 2016, with the endorsement of the RCA National Representatives at the 44th RCA General Conference Meeting. The meeting participants included the members of the RCA Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) from Australia, China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, and the RCA Focal Person from the IAEA.

During the week, the meeting’s attendees reviewed, analysed and evaluated 36 project concepts submitted by the National RCA Representatives for the RCA TC programme for the period 2018–2019, and prepared a consolidated feedback report for each proposed concept. The meeting also discussed and recommended that the National RCA Representatives approve the necessary modalities, procedures and concrete timeframe for the timely prioritization, screening and selection of concepts, which ensures the RCA Regional Programme Note 2018–2019 will be submitted on time as set out in the IAEA Guidelines. In addition, the meeting discussed and proposed the necessary measures and activities that need to be taken to ensure 2018–2019 RCA TC project designs are of high quality. ?

Background

The Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA) is an intergovernmental agreement among the IAEA Member States that are located in South Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Far East.

It was first established in 1972 under the auspices of the IAEA to promote, coordinate and implement cooperative research, development and training projects in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology amongst the parties to the RCA.

Currently, there are 22 parties to the RCA, namely: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Further information on the activities of the RCA can be obtained by visiting the RCA website, which is hosted by the RCA Regional Office located in the Republic of Korea.