The INST2026 Scientific Committee welcomes contributions across all areas of nuclear science and technology. To ensure a focused exchange of ideas, the conference program is structured around 7 specialized tracks.
Authors are encouraged to submit their abstracts to the track that best aligns with the primary focus of their research. This structure fosters in-depth discussions among experts facing similar challenges and opportunities.
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Nuclear Energy Systems
NESThe Nuclear Energy Systems track explores the frontier of power generation technologies, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and the transition to low-carbon energy sources. This section covers the entire lifecycle of nuclear energy production, from advanced reactor designs to fuel cycle management. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Advanced fission and fusion reactor technologies (SMRs, Gen IV)
- Nuclear fuel cycle and material performance
- Radioactive waste management and disposal
- Decommissioning and decontamination technologies
- Nuclear power plant operation, maintenance, and life extension -
Medical & Health Sciences
MEDThe Medical & Health Sciences track focuses on the critical application of nuclear technology in healthcare, highlighting advancements in diagnosis, therapy, and patient safety. It serves as a forum for physicists, clinicians, and researchers to discuss innovations in fighting cancer and other diseases. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT, Hybrid imaging)
- Radiation oncology and proton/heavy ion therapy
- Production and application of radiopharmaceuticals
- Medical physics, dosimetry, and treatment planning
- Radiobiology and radiation protection in medicine -
Environment & Hydrology
ENVThe Environment & Hydrology track encompasses the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to monitor, understand, and preserve our natural ecosystems. This section highlights research aimed at solving critical environmental challenges, from pollution control to water resource management. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Isotope hydrology and water resource management
- Atmospheric pollution monitoring and source apportionment
- Marine radioactivity and oceanographic studies
- Climate change assessment using isotopic tracers
- Environmental remediation and radiometrics -
Food & Agriculture
AGRThe Food & Agriculture track addresses the role of nuclear technology in enhancing food security, agricultural productivity, and food safety. This section showcases techniques that improve crop resilience and ensure the quality of food products for global consumption. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Mutation breeding for crop improvement
- Soil-plant-water interaction and nutrient management
- Food irradiation for preservation and phytosanitary treatment
- Insect pest control (Sterile Insect Technique)
- Animal production and health -
Safety, Security & Safeguards
SAFThe Safety, Security & Safeguards track is dedicated to the frameworks and technologies that ensure the peaceful and safe use of nuclear materials. This section covers regulatory standards, emergency preparedness, and the prevention of illicit trafficking. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Radiation protection and shielding design
- Nuclear safety culture and regulatory frameworks
- Emergency preparedness and response (EP&R)
- Nuclear forensics and non-proliferation
- Cybersecurity in nuclear facilities -
Physics & Engineering
PHYThe Physics & Engineering track encompasses the fundamental science and hardware development that drive the nuclear industry forward. This section bridges the gap between theoretical physics and practical engineering applications in particle acceleration and detection. The scope of this track welcomes the following areas:
- Accelerator physics and technology
- Nuclear data and fundamental nuclear physics
- Radiation detection and instrumentation
- Plasma physics and nuclear fusion engineering
- Monte Carlo simulations and computational physics -
Other Related Topics
OTHERThe Related Topics track captures the interdisciplinary and societal aspects of nuclear science and technology. This section provides a space for discussing the broader impact of the field, including education, policy, and emerging cross-disciplinary innovations. This section encompasses a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Nuclear education, training, and knowledge management
- Public acceptance, communication, and social engagement
- Nuclear economics, law, and policy
- Quantum technology and applications
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in nuclear science
