Atoms for Heritage: Université Paris-Saclay becomes an IAEA Collaborating Centre for heritage sciences

Peaceful applications of nuclear science for development and cooperation

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently designated Université Paris-Saclay as an IAEA Atoms for Heritage Collaborating Centre in heritage sciences. Sylvie Retailleau, President of Université Paris-Saclay, and Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the IAEA officially signed the convention agreement on Friday 17 September 2021. The signing ceremony was also attended by Xavier Sticker, French Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna.

Two years after Université Paris-Saclay co-signed the Paris Declaration on “Heritage, Sciences and Technologies: An Opportunity for our Societies and the Global Economy” at the Institut de France, the launch of this Collaborating Centre for heritage preservation will play a key role in promoting peaceful nuclear applications sustainably for the benefit of society. Preserving heritage means sharing it both culturally and scientifically, building social cohesion, participating in the development of new economic forms with local areas and contributing to peace and stability.

The new centre will focus on five key themes linked to heritage conservation: characterising and dating materials; developing safe analysis methods; analysing and sharing data in accordance with Open Science strategies; educating and raising awareness among the public and future generations about heritage issues; and combatting the illicit trafficking of heritage objects.

The support of the IAEA will facilitate the hosting of international scientists, curators and technical personnel who will all come to Paris-Saclay for training, creating opportunities to establish and intensify international research collaborations through the arrival of experts from around the world as part of the University’s programmes.