Pakistani institution, scientists bag international awards

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – Pakistani scientists and an institution have been honored with international awards in three categories in recognition of the country's development in the application of nuclear technology for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Outstanding Achievement awards announced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have jointly conferred on Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, said a Foreign Ministry statement issued on Wednesday.

A group of four scientists from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission received a team achievement award for their work in the same area (PAEC).

While the third award, Young Scientist Award, has also been bagged by a PAEC scientist for work in plant mutation breeding and related technologies.

"The selection of a Pakistani institution and scientists among the recipients of these awards are recognition of Pakistan's advancement in the application of nuclear technology for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including food security," the statement said.

The awards certificates will be presented during the IAEA's 65th General Conference in Sept. 2021.

Extensive civilian nuclear applications in the country are directly contributing to the wellbeing of the people and national development in the areas of public health, medicine, agriculture, industry, and nuclear power generation, it added.