PATRAM, the International Symposium on Packaging and Transport of Radioactive Materials, which takes place every three years, is the foremost event devoted exclusively to this theme. PATRAM 2010, the 16th International Symposium in the series, will be held from 4 – 8 October 2010 in London, UK, at the Headquarters of the International Maritime Organization.

It is being hosted by the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Maritime Organization and the World Nuclear Transport Institute.

A period of significant growth in industries based on radioactive materials beckons. Nuclear power is expanding to meet the world’s needs for secure, sustainable and affordable energy. In the medical field there are increasing demands for supplies of radiopharmaceuticals and sources for diagnosis, treatment and sterilisation, not least in developing countries. Demands for radioactive materials for many industrial applications also are increasing. A reliable transport infrastructure is essential to support these needs.

The dynamic vision for PATRAM 2010 is Looking to the Future – designed to cast a special light on the new challenges, not only those of growth but also other issues, such as decommissioning, waste handling and security, which the stakeholders in all sectors of radioactive material packaging and transport will have to face to ensure that the infrastructure can be maintained safely, securely and efficiently in a changing world.

PATRAM 2010 will bring together those concerned with regulation, research and engineering, safety, security and communications from international and national governmental and other organisations, as well as the service providers in the several sectors of industry for all modes of transport. The objective is to enable stakeholders to engage and to share their knowledge and experience and to debate topical issues in order to explore how the future challenges can best be met, building on the sound foundations that have assured safety and security for several decades.

PATRAM 2010 promises to be a highly relevant and stimulating gathering of stakeholders committed to the safe, effective and reliable transport of radioactive materials, and we look forward to welcoming you to London in October 2010.