Expert Insight Series - From Reactor to Patient: Medical Isotopes, Infrastructure and Innovation
| Dates: | 21 April 2026 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 14:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Dalton Nuclear Institute |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, External researchers, Adults, Alumni |
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Medical isotopes and their production represent an essential and often overlooked technology, sitting at the intersection of fundamental nuclear physics and medical applications. From enabling diagnostic imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT, to supporting targeted radiotherapy, these isotopes underpin a significant portion of modern healthcare. However, their availability is governed not only by clinical demand, but by the physics of their production and the infrastructure required to deliver them reliably.
This 'in conversation' session will explore the lifecycle of medical isotopes - from the nuclear processes that define their properties, to the practical realities of producing them using reactors, accelerators, and emerging technologies. Focus will be placed on the UK supply chain for medical isotopes, examining its current status, dependencies, and the challenges associated with ensuring resilience in the face of ageing infrastructure and evolving demand. The discussion will also consider the distinction between reactor- and accelerator-produced isotopes, and how these routes shape both current practice and future opportunities.
Join in person or online.
Travel and Contact Information
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JCB_3.009
James Chadwick Building
Booth Street East
Manchester
