IAEA highlights its work in 2014 in annual report

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released its annual report for 2014 detailing the agency's work over the year on Tuesday.

The IAEA said it helped in the coordination of approximately 125 research projects and 2,114 nuclear verifications and inspections globally.

The agency highlighted the success of the International Symposium on Uranium Raw Material for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle which brought attention to new initiatives; the use of more systematic training methods in the global nuclear field; and its establishment of guidance materials for countries interested in pursuing peaceful nuclear power programs.

Within areas of nuclear sciences and applications, the IAEA report details the agency's work in establishing the VetLab network to enhance the early detection capabilities in response to outbreaks of avian influenza. It also reported sending early detection kits in response to the Ebola outbreak. The IAEA also began its Renovation of the Nuclear Applications Laboratories project in order to better serve its member states.

The report highlights that within the arena of technical cooperation and development, the IAEA provided assistance to 131 territories and countries over the course of 2014.

Within the areas of nuclear safety, security and in verification, the IAEA reports that safeguards were modernized for analytical laboratories with improved technology and surveillance. Also in 2014, 12 member states ratified the Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.