3rd International Platform on Integrating Arab
e-infrastructure in a Global Environment
e-AGE 2013
National Center for Nuclear Science and Technology
Prof. Hafedh BELMABROUK
DG of CNSTN
President of the Steering Committee of ANNuR (2013-2015)
Tunis, December2013
Outline
• Key dates
• Mission
• Human Resources
• Organization chart
• Fields of Activity
• Scientific Collaboration
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Key dates
1993 : Creation of the Center
1999 : Gamma Irradiator inauguration at Sidi Thabet
2002 : CNSTN became part of Sidi Thabet Technopark
2009 : Inauguration of the Electron Beam Accelerator
2012 : First Tests of the Neutron Generator
20?? : Sub-critical Assembly
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Mission
Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies in
Industry, Agriculture, Environment and Medicine
• Research and Development
• Collection and Diffusion of Information
• Technical Support to Industrial and Research Institutions
• Advising on Issues related to Nuclear Safety and
Radiation Protection
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Human Resources
• Researchers : 30 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Electronics,…)
• PhD Students : 20
• Engineers : 20 (Mechanical, Electrical , Nuclear, Instrumentation,
Process, Chemical, Bio, -Engineering)
• Technicians : 40
• Administrative Staff : 30
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Organization Chart
DG
Scientific Council
Administrative Council
Cooperation
Development
and Safeguard
and Project
Department
valorization
Energy and
Environment
Materials
and Life
Financial and
Nuclear Safety
Administrative
Affairs
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Fields of Activity
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
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Radiation Processing
Radiation measurements
Cobalt irradiator
Electron beam accelerator (not operational !!!)

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Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection
Radioactive sources and waste management
Neutron Activation Analysis

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Isotopic Hydrology
Radio-pharmaceuticals
Microbiology
Sterile Insect Technique

Nuclear Legislation
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Radiation Chemistry Lab
• Preparation of Samples for alpha,
beta and gamma spectrometry
• Detection of irradiated foods
• Monitoring of harmful algal bloom
for the detection of marine toxins
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Radiation Analysis Lab
• Conduct research by using nuclear analytical methods such as
gamma spectrometry, alpha and beta, liquid scintillation,
neutron activation analysis, XRF and isotopic hydrology.
• Analyze environmental and industrial samples as well as
monitoring the level of radioactivity around nuclear
installations.
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Application Areas
Environment
Physical environment (air, water, soil) and biological
environment (flora and fauna).
Food
Qualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides in
food products for contamination identification.
Determining the level of radioactivity in food products
imported or to be exported.
Agriculture
Qualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides in
certain products used in agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides, …).
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Scientific collaboration
• IAEA : Int. Atomic Energy Agency
• AAEA : Arab Atomic Energy Agency
• ANNuR: Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators
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•
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African and Arab countries
Europe (France, Czech Republic, CERN, ...)
USA, Canada
Korea
...
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Conclusions
• Tunisia has many years of experience in the field of peaceful
uses of nuclear techniques and technologies
• CNSTN has many collaborations. Others to be established
• The IAEA is involved in the technical cooperation
• Tunisia is considering the option of NPP. A feasibility study is
in progress. Enhance the collaboration with industry.
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Thank you!
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