New IAEA Publications to Shape Nuclear Policy, Safety and Health in 2026
This new safety guide, part of the IAEA Safety Standards Series, will provide practical recommendations to support ageing management and maintenance of transport packages.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), one of the world’s leading publishers in the nuclear field, is preparing a suite of high-impact publications for release in early 2026, covering critical issues from nuclear power development and safety culture to the use of artificial intelligence in clinical medicine.
The forthcoming titles will add to the more than 9,000 scientific and technical publications already available through the IAEA, widely used by governments, regulators, industry, health professionals and researchers worldwide. Together, the publications support the peaceful, safe and secure application of nuclear science and technology across the Agency’s Member States.
The 2026 releases reflect growing global demand for practical, evidence-based guidance as countries expand nuclear power programmes, modernise infrastructure, strengthen safety frameworks and adopt emerging digital technologies.
Below are five of the most anticipated publications scheduled for release in early 2026.
Strengthening Safety in the Transport of Radioactive Material
Ageing Management and Maintenance of Packages for the Transport of Radioactive Material
Each year, around 20 million shipments of radioactive material are transported safely by road, rail, sea and air for use in medicine, industry, research, agriculture and energy production. Ensuring the integrity of transport packages over their full service life is essential to protect people and the environment.
This new safety guide, part of the IAEA Safety Standards Series, will provide practical recommendations to support ageing management and maintenance of transport packages. It is designed to help users demonstrate continued compliance with the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material, particularly for international shipments.
Building Leadership and Culture for Safety
Leadership, Management and Culture for Safety
This publication will support the effective implementation of the requirements set out in GSR Part 2, Leadership and Management for Safety. It offers guidance for operating organizations, regulatory bodies and governmental authorities, as well as technical support organizations, service providers and supply chain entities that contribute to safety.
The guide emphasises leadership, organisational culture and management systems as core foundations of sustained nuclear and radiation safety.
Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging Goes to the Clinic
Clinical Implementation of Medical Imaging Based Artificial Intelligence Systems
Advances in artificial intelligence are transforming medical imaging, offering new diagnostic and clinical possibilities while introducing new risks and responsibilities.
Part of the IAEA Human Health Series, this publication provides structured guidance for clinically qualified medical physicists and health professionals on implementing imaging-based AI systems in real-world clinical settings. It covers the full lifecycle of AI systems — from needs assessment and system selection to commissioning, quality management and decommissioning — and is also applicable to non-imaging-based AI tools.
Guiding Countries New to Nuclear Power
Preparation of a Feasibility Study for New Nuclear Power Projects
As more countries explore nuclear power to meet energy security and climate goals, this publication will provide detailed guidance on preparing feasibility studies under the IAEA’s internationally recognised Milestones Approach.
The guide focuses on Phase 2 of the approach, outlining how to define project frameworks, build a robust business case and support informed investment decisions. It also addresses stakeholder engagement and adaptability across different technologies, project sizes, locations and industrial applications. The publication is part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series.
Digital Technologies to Enhance Nuclear Power Performance
Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems and Other Advanced Digital Technologies for Enhancing Nuclear Power Plant Performance
This publication examines how advanced digital technologies, including modern instrumentation and control systems, can improve nuclear power plant performance while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.
It provides an up-to-date overview of proven practices, innovative solutions and lessons learned across the full plant lifecycle — from design and construction to operation and long-term management. Also part of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, the guide highlights approaches that balance safety, reliability, environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Free Access to IAEA Knowledge
Most IAEA publications issued after 2000 are available free of charge as downloadable PDFs, with many titles also offered as free e-books since 2019. These resources cover nuclear power, radiation therapy, nuclear safety and security, nuclear law and related fields.
Readers can also sign up for free alerts to receive direct links to newly released IAEA publications.
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