A delegation of academics and researchers from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, led by Prof Jovana Nikolov and Dr Andrej Vraničar, visited the North-West University's Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST) from 20 to 24 February.

The visit, funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, aimed to contribute expertise to the development of best practices in measurement and analysis using gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillation counter (LSC) techniques.

The CARST, aspiring to accredit its laboratory methods according to ISO17025:2017 - the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories - welcomed the Serbian researchers for their valuable insights.

Dr Tebogo Kupi and Prof Manny Mathuthu from CARST says the delegation’s visit had a significant impact on staff and students. Both of them are part of of IAEA-coordinated research projects focusing on nuclear forensics science. These projects aim to bridge the radiological crime scene to the nuclear forensics laboratory, and to facilitate safe and secure trade using nuclear detection technology involving gamma spectrometry and LSC techniques.

Dr Kupi says the alignment of the IAEA projects and research with the Serbian researchers' expertise emphasises the shared commitment to advancing nuclear science practices.

Acting director of CARST, Prof Helen Drummond, encouraged the establishment of a memorandum of understanding between CARST and the Serbian researchers, fostering ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two universities.

The visit not only enriched the academic environment at CARST, but also laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives in the field of nuclear science.

Prof Jovana Nikolov and Dr Andrej Vraničar from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia recently visited the NWU’s Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology.