In addition, Africa has a great need for nuclear technologies in agriculture, medicine and ecology.Today, nuclear technologies for both power and non-power applications are highly sought-after in virtually all countries of the African continent. A well-developed energy sector is a prerequisite for the development of any industry. Therefore, Africa is particularly interested in power application of nuclear technologies and in the construction of nuclear power plants,
"Historically, African countries have been exporting agricultural products, and agriculture export is a major sector of the national economy in many countries. Therefore, radiation treatment of such products, which helps to preserve fruit and vegetables for export purposes, is important for African producers. Radioecological monitoring methods and tools are also in demand in Africa. Many African countries are facing a major problem of industrial and household waste disposal, which may contain isotopes hazardous for the public health," he said.
As for nuclear medicine, according to studies conducted by The Union for International Cancer Control, cancer mortality rate in the African region has increased by 45% since 2000.
"Therefore, the opportunities of nuclear medicine in diagnosing various types of cancer with the use of radiopharmaceuticals, and subsequent therapy, are of great relevance for Africa," says Oleg Dolmatov.
According to the expert, human resources are a key factor for the development of all the above-mentioned areas. In this context, all African countries are particularly interested in training specialists in nuclear physics and technology at Russian universities.
Russian high-class nuclear education is renowned worldwide, and I believe it is an indisputable fact. Tomsk Polytechnic University, in its turn, is largely involved in training personnel for the nuclear industry. For more than 70 years, more than 12 thousand highly qualified nuclear specialists have graduated from TPU. Our university is a backbone university of Rosatom State Corporation, which support made it possible for us to advance to the next step and create a full range of educational programs in nuclear power engineering and nuclear medicine for international students from Rosatom partner countries. We offer bachelor's, master's, postgraduate and advanced education programs. It is worth noting that the first international nuclear master's program launched at TPU in 2015 was aimed at students from an African country – Egypt. Today, the geography of our graduates already spans more than 20 countries around the globe,
Over the years, students from Algeria, Egypt, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire have studied at Tomsk Polytechnic University.
"The expertise of TPU professors and scientists, as well as our unique academic and research infrastructure, allows us to train students from African countries in the full range of the previously mentioned technologies: nuclear power engineering, nuclear medicine, nuclear safety, and radioecology," summarized Oleg Dolmatov.
Shortly before, experts and students of Tomsk Polytechnic University have attended the International Youth Forum Russia-Africa: Nuclear Education for Sustainable Development of the Region.