Call for Abstracts: IAEA International Conference on Emergency Preparedness and Response in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This high-level conference will provide a global platform for participants to share experiences, discuss best practices, and explore emerging technologies in the EPR domain.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) invites experts and stakeholders to submit abstracts for its International Conference on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), scheduled to take place from 1 December to 4 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is hosted by the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) of Saudi Arabia and will gather international experts to discuss innovations, challenges, and strategies to enhance nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.

This high-level conference will provide a global platform for participants to share experiences, discuss best practices, and explore emerging technologies in the EPR domain. Attendees will include professionals from regulatory bodies, emergency response organizations, nuclear operators, technical support entities, and international organizations.

Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, highlighted the importance of this event: "This conference provides a unique platform to bring together stakeholders from across the EPR community to discuss best practices, future trends, and new technologies to enhance emergency preparedness. By fostering international cooperation and sharing insights, we aim to help countries bolster their emergency response capabilities in a rapidly changing world."

Khalid Aleissa, CEO of the NRRC, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness: "Saudi Arabia is privileged to host this significant conference, organized by the IAEA, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness nationally, regionally, and globally. Through this conference, we aim to provide a platform for experts and decision-makers to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of nuclear emergency preparedness and response."

Conference Themes and Topics

Contributors are encouraged to submit abstracts on a range of topics crucial to advancing EPR capabilities, including but not limited to:

• Innovative Technologies for EPR
• Challenges in Protection Strategies
• Termination, Recovery, and Long-term Response
• Nuclear Safety/Security Interface
• Supporting First Responders
• Capacity Building
• Communication Between Authorities, States, and the Public
• Public Health and Medical Response
• Coordination and Cooperation Mechanisms
• Establishing EPR Arrangements in Every Member State

Guidelines for Submission

Interested contributors must submit their abstracts by 1 May 2025. Detailed guidelines for abstract submission can be found here.

Notification of Acceptance

Authors will be notified of the acceptance status of their abstracts by 15 June 2025. Accepted abstracts will be selected for either oral presentations or poster sessions.

IAEA’s Role in EPR Advancement

As global nuclear and radiological threats evolve alongside technological advancements, the IAEA continues to play a pivotal role in:

• Developing global safety standards.
• Providing capacity-building initiatives.
• Advising on technological and emergency arrangements.
• Coordinating international response efforts to minimize public health risks.

Carlos Torres Vidal further emphasized the significance of collaboration in EPR: "As we prepare for an increasingly complex emergency response environment, it is critical that we prioritize safety, security, and collaboration. This event will address these essential topics and explore how innovative tools and strategies can support EPR in the face of diverse challenges."