While nuclear reactors are most often associated with electricity generation, their contribution to society extends far beyond power production. This presentation explores the indispensable role of radioisotopes produced in research and power reactors, and how they sustain critical functions in modern life.

From sterilization of medical equipment and cancer diagnostics to advanced therapies such as brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, radioisotopes underpin the safety and effectiveness of healthcare systems worldwide. Beyond medicine, they enable industrial quality control, food preservation, environmental tracing, and scientific research.

Through selected examples and practical insights, the session will illustrate how reactor-based isotope production is essential to our well-being and economic stability. Even in a hypothetical world without nuclear energy, we could not imagine a world without isotopes.

Speaker

Dr. Riccardo Bevilacqua

Riccardo Bevilacqua is a nuclear physicist with a PhD from Uppsala University, where he focused on neutron data for Generation IV nuclear reactors. He has held research positions at the European Commission and the European Spallation Source, and now leads global radiation safety initiatives at Elekta, based in Stockholm. His career bridges nuclear research, radiation protection, and medical physics—the field that first drew his interest as a student in Italy. Outside of work, he writes popular science articles on physics and radiation and is a father and stepfather.

Moderator

Irina Shreyber
Global Head of IPMA SIG Energy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishreyber

PhD, Researcher, leader, speaker, mentor, lecturer, influencer. Global Head of the SIG Energy (IPMA). Member of international scientific associations Fermilab (USA) and CERN (Switzerland). Academic Director of the Program «Engineering and Trading of Carbon Projects». Leading Researcher at Tomsk State University.

More info

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