Researchers from C2TN - Center for Nuclear Science and Technologies of Técnico, Joana Madureira, Luís Ferreira, and Pedro Santos, along with PhD student in "Food Sciences" from NOVA FCT, Rita Pires, participated in the 3rd International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST-2025), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which took place from April 7 to 11 in Vienna, Austria.

The C2TN team presented recent results on the application of radiation in areas such as health, sustainability, cultural heritage, and advanced materials.

Joana Madureira emphasized the use of radiation in the valorization of agro-food waste, promoting the recovery of high added-value compounds, and demonstrated that extracts from irradiated olive pomace can be used to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits.

Pedro Santos presented two studies: the first, within the scope of the IAEA project "DEDICATE" (CRP F23035), on the production of 3D medical implants with biocompatible polymers and the effects of radiation sterilization; the second, in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, focused on the conservation of irradiated paper documents since 1991.

Luís Ferreira addressed the development of nanomagnetic bioadsorbents for the recovery of rare earth elements, using gamma radiation and ionic liquids. Within the framework of the IAEA project "SECURE" (CRP-F22082), he also presented the effects of exposing cellulosic materials to high-energy protons.

During the event, Rita Pires was awarded the best poster prize for her work on the valorization of bioactive compounds in microalgae through irradiation techniques. She described the experience as "particularly inspiring" and emphasized the "transformative potential of radiation in the areas of nutrition and health." The research is supervised by Joana Silva (Allmicroalgae) and co-supervised by Luís Ferreira (C2TN) and Márcia Ventura (NOVA FCT).