The sustainability of nuclear applications and its contributions to the prosperity and improved quality of life of people is achieved through a competent and motivated workforce. In the Asia- Pacific region, the potential of nuclear science and technology (NST) to contribute to economic growth remains underutilized due to limited number of equipped educators and workers in the field in some Member States (MS).

Cognizant of the foregoing challenge, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gathered experts from seven (7) MSs in the region in November 2019 to discuss solutions, which will develop and enhance nuclear education focused not only to educators already in the NST field but from all other scientific, technical and social disciplines. It is envisaged that this strategy will accelerate the dissemination and awareness and subsequently the utilization of nuclear S&T applications in the region. The meeting concluded that a forum of cooperation and collaboration among universities, training centers, research organizations, regulatory bodies, and other relevant agencies is needed to address identified gaps. It is within this context that the International Nuclear Science and Technology Academy (INSTA), a regional educational network supported by the IAEA, is established.