A three-day international conference, aimed at fostering mutual interaction and collaboration between nuclear scientists and engineers from Asia and their counterparts in developed countries, will get underway in Chennai from 10th October.

This will be the second edition of ‘Asian Nuclear Prospects’ (ANUP) meet. The first was held in Japan in 2008.

“ANUP-2010 aims to bring together nuclear scientists and engineers from Asian countries with nuclear energy programmes and their counterparts from developed countries where nuclear technology has reached a level of maturity to foster mutual interaction and collaboration,” Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Director Baldevraj said in Chennai Saturday.

He told reporters that 250 delegates, including 60 from abroad would participate in the conference.

Apart from Japan, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and India, the meet would see participation from European nations, as well as the US, Russia and Canada, he said.

Besides, leading companies dealing with nuclear energy technology have also been invited to the conference, he said.

Baldevraj said special efforts are on to integrate countries with new energy initiatives in Asia. From India, 25 speakers have been invited, he said.

The IGCAR director said there are plans to constitute a ‘young researchers’ forum’, comprising eight oral presentations by young scientists and engineers from India and abroad.

“A panel discussion is planned at the end of the conference on the theme ‘Engines of Robust and Sustainable Nuclear Energy Growth'”, he said.