Source: Government of Singapore
Chosen as the first radiochemistry Collaborating Centre in Southeast Asia
26 March 2026 – The National Radiochemistry Laboratory (NRL) under the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore, has been officially designated as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre from 2026—2030, to lead the development of regional radiological monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
2 The NRL is the first and only IAEA Collaborating Centre on Radiochemistry in the ASEAN. It joins other laboratories such as the Republic of Korea’s Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) and Switzerland’s Spiez Laboratory. The Collaborating Centre will work closely with the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI).
Singapore’s role as an IAEA Collaborating Centre
3 As an IAEA partner centre, NRL will share knowledge about radiochemistry analysis – the science of measuring radioactive materials. This will be done by combining radiochemistry analysis with environmental monitoring to support research and assess radiation exposure. With such capabilities, Singapore will also help other Southeast Asian countries to improve their ability to detect and respond to nuclear emergencies. This includes running workshops and helping to establish safety standards that suit the region’s needs.
Singapore earned recognition
4 The designation was formalised through an agreement signed by Mr Wong Kang Jet, NEA Chief Executive Officer, and Ms Najat Mokhtar, the IAEA Deputy Director General. It followed a comprehensive review by the IAEA Committee for Coordinated Research Activities in nuclear sciences and applications, which assessed that the NRL possesses the necessary infrastructure, expertise and established internal and regional collaborations to support the IAEA’s programme within the Asia-Pacific region.
5 Mr Wong said, “We are honoured by the IAEA’s confidence in the NRL’s capabilities to serve as a regional hub for radiochemistry expertise. This recognition affirms the technical excellence that the NRL has built over the decades. As an IAEA Collaborating Centre, Singapore will support the region in strengthening nuclear safety frameworks, enhancing analytical capabilities, and reinforcing regional emergency preparedness. With growing regional interest in nuclear energy to meet future energy needs, it is crucial that we work together to uphold the highest safety standards.”
About IAEA Collaborating Centres
6 The Collaborating Centres Scheme started in 2004 and enables the IAEA to partner with Member State institutions to carry out programmes through research collaboration, technical expertise sharing and training activities.
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