Bridging Gender Gaps in Ion-Beam Accelerator Research

A new IAEA Coordinated Research Project "Facilitating Experiments with Ion-Beam Accelerators" aims to accelerate research into an essential tool in nuclear applications while promoting gender equality by providing women access to cutting-edge technology in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Ion-beam accelerators are essential tools in a wide array of nuclear applications with significant socio-economic impact, ranging from environmental monitoring and materials science to cultural heritage preservation and biomedical research. However, access to such facilities has been limited, particularly for researchers in developing regions and for women who face additional gender-related barriers. A new Coordinated Research Project (CRP), funded by the IAEA, provides not only access to state-of-the-art accelerator facilities but also offers funding, mentorship and collaboration opportunities with leading global researchers. In a world where nuclear technology is becoming increasingly critical in solving global challenges, initiatives like this CRP are not only advancing scientific knowledge, but also ensuring that the contributions of women are recognized and valued.

Muhayatun Santoso, a researcher from Indonesia, is one of the many women who have benefited from this initiative. "The project is very helpful in overcoming various existing obstacles and limitations, in particular in facilitating collaboration with hosts that have accelerator facilities," said Santoso.

Santoso was able to conduct her work at the Centre of Accelerator Science at ANSTO in Australia with the support of the IAEA and pursue her research on the environmental impact of industrial activities by analysing tiny particles in air quality samples from Indonesia. This research provides essential data for policymakers, helping them to shape strategies that protect public health and deliver lasting benefits to local communities.

Similarly, Wanwisa Sudpraset, a scientist from Thailand, utilized the facilities at ANSTO to study the sources of harmful air pollution in Bangkok. By identifying key sources of pollution in Bangkok, Sudpraset's work is contributing to long-term strategies aimed at improving air quality and public health in urban centres worldwide.

"Early in my career, I encountered some gender preference issues when I began working as a radioisotope production scientist, but this CRP's inclusive environment was crucial in overcoming these challenges," said Sudpraset. Grateful for the support she received at the facility, she noted, "The mentorship opportunities and support systems provided by the host institution have been crucial in advancing my research."

Encouraged by these mentoring opportunities, Sudpraset brought her graduate student, Sumittra Amphalop, to ANSTO, where she conducted research for her thesis and later received a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) scholarship from the IAEA. By nurturing young talent like Amphalop, the CRP is laying the foundation for a future where more women can excel in nuclear sciences. These mentorship opportunities signal to young women around the world that they too can aspire to lead groundbreaking research, further bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. Together, their work is not only essential for understanding and mitigating pollution but is also raising public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality.