PNRI rolls out Atomic Energy Week 2025 with exhibits, conference, app contest

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) will lead the nationwide celebration of Atomic Energy Week (AEW) 2025 from 9 to 12 December, with a series of technical exhibits, conferences, and youth-focused activities aimed at promoting greater understanding of nuclear science and technology.

With the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines,” this year’s AEW seeks to reflect the growing engagement of Filipinos, particularly the youth, in discussions surrounding nuclear energy and its role in national development.

PNRI will open its doors to the public from December 9 to 11 for free guided tours featuring technical exhibits presented by Filipino scientists and researchers. The displays will showcase the country’s latest nuclear and radiation technologies under five themes: radiation in daily life; nuclear science in health innovations; environmental protection and monitoring; nuclear energy, safety, security and safeguards; and research and innovation at PNRI.

The institute will also host the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference from December 10 to 11, bringing together experts, educators, policymakers, and students to discuss advancements in nuclear science, technology, and policy. Selected presentations will be published as full papers in a Scopus-indexed journal, subject to peer review.

Meanwhile, senior high school and college students will compete in the Myth Smashers Nuclear Science App Competition, which challenges participants to develop mobile applications that debunk common myths and misconceptions about nuclear science. The winning team will be announced on December 11 and will represent the Philippines at the ANENT International Finals in March 2026.

PNRI will also recognize its Civil Service Awardees and other achievers during the AEW, culminating the week with an Employees’ Day featuring raffles, games, and activities for staff.

Established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, Atomic Energy Week serves as the annual platform for promoting the peaceful and beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology among the public.

The Gen-Atom craze continues this year as the country once again celebrates the Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 9 to 12, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

With the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines”, this year’s AEW reflects the extraordinary energy akin to atomic nuclei among generations of Filipinos, particularly the youth, as we talk more about the growing role of nuclear science and technology in national development.

This year’s celebration is also as enthusiastic as they are inclusive, with a wide range of activities in store for every “Juan and Juana” wanting to learn more about the benefits of the Atom.

Open-House Technical Exhibits

For starters, PNRI will once again open its doors to the public from 9 to 11 December with a showcase of several technical exhibits with free guided tours for all visitors, to be presented by no less than our very own Filipino scientists and researchers.

The exhibits will feature the country’s latest nuclear and radiation technologies, products and services by PNRI, divided into five overarching themes:

Team 1: Radiation in Daily Life - Everyday applications of radiation (focused on the public and radiation workers)

Team 2: Nuclear Science in Health Innovations - Use of nuclear science in medicine, therapy, and health physics applications

Team 3: Environmental Protection and Monitoring - Use of nuclear techniques to track pollution and monitor the environment

Team 4: Nuclear Energy, Safety, Security, and Safeguards - Basics of nuclear energy, safety protocols, and potential applications, and the newly-established PhilATOM

Team 5: Research and Innovation at PNRI - Highlights of on-going PNRI research projects

4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference

Preparing a perfect avenue for leading experts and researchers, professionals, educators, students and other stakeholders or sectors to meet and discuss the latest advancements in nuclear research, development, and innovation, the Institute will also host the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference (PNRDC 2025) from December 10 to 11.

The conference aims to foster dialogue on nuclear science, technology, and policy, creating a platform for engagement among researchers, policymakers, and the public.

PNRDC 2025 will partner with a Scopus-indexed journal to publish a special issue on Nuclear Science and Technology, featuring full-paper versions of selected presentations from the conference, subject to the journal’s peer-review process. Researchers, academics, and professionals from all over the country are invited to submit abstracts for possible oral or poster presentations at the conference.

Myth Smashers Nuclear Science App Contest

Meanwhile, senior high school and college students are competing in the development of the best mobile applications at the Myth Smashers Nuclear Science App Competition. Very much reflecting the Gen-Z spirit, these apps on nuclear science will aim to debunk the most common myths and misconceptions prevailing among the public and the youth.

The winning team, to be announced on December 11 during the 2025 AEW, will officially represent the Philippines at the Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT) International Finals in March 2026.

At the week’s conclusion, DOST-PNRI will also recognize its Civil Service Awardees and recipients of other accolades for the year. The Institute will also hold an Employees’ Day to cap the event with an afternoon of raffles, games, and well-deserved bonding after a whole year’s worth of accomplishments.

The AEW serves as the annual culmination of the Institute’s efforts in promoting nuclear science and technology to the general public. As mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, the AEW aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology.