Application of atomic energy in socio-economic development is the major topic for discussion at a national conference in the central city of Danang from October 23-24.

Those attending include leading professors, scientists, managers and experts in research and application of atomic energy along with experts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand and Russia.

The conference aims to exchange information about prospects for development and application of atomic energy in socio- economic development, prepare for a review of the 10 year implementation of a strategy for atomic energy application for peace until 2020 and orientations for atomic energy development in the time to come.

The delegates are expected to highlight progress in the application of radiation in cancer diagnosis and treatment and radiation application in Japan and Thailand. They will also touch upon issued related to state management of radiation safety, nuclear power projects, detailed planning of radioactive isotope application, and research and application of atomic energy in health care and rural development.

Vietnam has achieved positive results over the years in the research and application of atomic energy to serve socio-economic development. In terms of health care, the country currently has 23 radio therapy centres and 4 oncology hospitals.

In the agricultural sector, as of 2013, more than 50 varieties of agricultural crops have been created by genic mutation radiation methods.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ranked Vietnam 8th in the world in mutation breeding research and awarded it for outstanding achievements in mutation breeding.

In the industrial sector, Vietnam has successfully manufactured and tested measurement and medical equipment in the coal industry, industrial X-ray machines, and researched on radiation and pasteurization of seafood, preservation of agricultural products and fruit.

First Vietnamese student obtains GISF certification

Dinh Dinh Nhan has become the first Vietnamese student securing GISF, an international security certification, with a score of 87%.

He passed after finishing an hour online test on October 23.

GISF, issued by the US SANS Technology Institute, is a global information assurance certification for information security fundamentals.

Nguyen Hoang Anh, head teacher of ISPACE college of IT vocational education where Nhan is studying, said the certificate would ensure bright career prospects for its holders.

Currently, only 992 people were granted the certification, including 10 Vietnamese.

In the US, GISF holders are often recruited with initial salary of US$74,000 per year.

VOV/VNA/VNN