Due to the developing epidemiological situation in Austria, Europe and the rest of the world at this time, it has been decided to postpone the conference until the week of 25 to 29 April 2022, enabling us to hold the event under the most favourable conditions to ensure a safe and secure onsite conference for all stakeholders involved.
Introduction
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA’s) is organizing its First International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate (ICNL 2022) – at its Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 25 to 29 April 2022.
Nuclear law is an essential prerequisite for realising the many benefits of the safe, secure, and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. A basic feature of this body of law is its dual focus on benefits and risks. It provides a legal framework for conducting activities such as the use of irradiation sources in medicine and industry, the operation of facilities, the transport of radioactive material and the management of radioactive waste, in a manner which adequately protects individuals, property and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, now and in the future. This highly specialized body of law, which permeates the entire nuclear sector, must encompass all stakeholders and be responsive to developments in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
The four branches of nuclear law are nuclear safety, security, safeguards and civil liability for nuclear damage. However, operating within a larger legal context, nuclear law also interacts with other fields of law at the national, regional, and international level.
The IAEA plays a multi-faceted role in the development and implementation of nuclear law. Through its Legislative Assistance Programme, the IAEA assists countries in adhering to and effectively implementing the relevant international instruments.
Purpose and Objectives
The IAEA’s First International Conference on Nuclear Law will provide a unique global forum for representatives from governments, international and non-governmental organizations, the industry, the legal and insurance sectors, academia, and civil society, to discuss current topical issues.
The conference will:
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Examine nuclear law in the context of current and emerging peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, with a view to identifying areas for possible further development.
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Examine the role of nuclear law in the broader context of other areas of law, including, energy law, environmental law, maritime law, and Law of the Sea.
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Promote the exchange of expertise in nuclear law and share good practices in the implementation of the international legal instruments in this field.
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Share experiences in establishing comprehensive national nuclear legal frameworks.
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Raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges for the next generation of nuclear lawyers, whether in government bodies or private nuclear and legal sectors; and identify approaches to encourage and support the next generation of nuclear lawyers.
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Exchange information on the range of assistance and capacity-building programmes including the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme.
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Facilitate cooperation in this field among stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels, as applicable.
Key Deadlines and Dates
30 July 2021: Submission of synopses through IAEA-INDICO
30 July 2021: Submission of Form B (together with Form A) through the InTouch+ platform
30 July 2021: Submission of Form C (together with Form A) through the InTouch+ platform
30 September 2021: Notification of acceptance of papers
No deadline: Submission of Form A only (no paper submission, no grant request) through the InTouch+ platform
