NOMRad conference

The event gathered nearly 100 participants from over 14 countries across four continents, with more than half traveling from abroad. The conference featured four distinguished invited speakers: Prof. Michael R. Zalutsky (Duke University Medical Centre, USA), Prof. Alfred Morgenstern (JRC Karlsruhe, Germany), Prof. Jolanta Kunikowska (Warsaw Medical University, Poland), and Prof. Valery Radchenko (TRIUMF, Canada), who delivered inspiring lectures on current topics in nuclear medicine. Participants presented their work on a wide array of topics including radioisotope production and separation, radiolabelling with both metallic and non-metallic radioisotopes, preclinical research, and clinical trials. In addition to oral presentations, researchers shared their work through poster sessions. PhD students also took part in the 3-Minute Thesis (MT180) competition, where they succinctly presented their doctoral research. The scientific committee recognized excellence with Young Scientist Awards in three categories: best MT180 presentation, best poster presentation, and best oral presentation. The conference provided participants with opportunities to network, connect, and build a diverse community, particularly for young scientists, with researchers across various disciplines.

In addition to its scientific objectives, NOMRad 2024 served as a platform to showcase the unique research infrastructure at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and promote ongoing research and development efforts in radiopharmaceutical sciences. Key NCBJ facilities presented during the conference included:

• Maria Research Reactor – Poland's sole operating nuclear reactor, located in Otwock-Świerk. This high-flux, pool-type reactor is used for research, including radioisotope production, material testing, and neutron-based research, and contributes to the global supply of medical radioisotopes.

• CERAD (Centre for Design and Synthesis of Molecularly Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals) – a state-of-the-art research infrastructure focused on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Equipped with a modern cyclotron, CERAD supports the synthesis of innovative agents for personalized nuclear medicine.

• Novel Radiopharmaceuticals research group (NOMATEN Centre of Excellence) – based in Otwock-Świerk, this group specializes in designing and synthesizing molecularly targeted radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy. Core research areas include: (i) radionuclide production; (ii) target material preparation and irradiation; (iii) biomolecule radiolabelling; (iv) multimodal nanomaterials development; and (v) preclinical evaluation.

• OR POLATOM – the Radioisotope Centre at NCBJ is a globally recognized producer and supplier of radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic kits for nuclear medicine. POLATOM also plays a leading role in research and development across radiopharmacy, radiochemistry, and nuclear technology.

Researchers from the Maria Reactor, OR POLATOM, CERAD and the NOMATEN CoE had an opportunity to present their ongoing projects in radioisotope production and radiopharmaceuticals development. The event also facilitated new contacts and potential partnerships, which may evolve into collaborative research initiatives in the near future.

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, the NOMRad conference is expected to become a regular event, with the next edition planned for 2027.

More information concerning NOMRad conference can be found here: https://events.ncbj.gov.pl/event/322/