Mumbai , 9^th March, 2026

The Public Awareness & Media Interaction Division (PA&MID) of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) organised a media visit for journalists from Mumbai accredited to the Press Information Bureau to two important institutions under DAE — the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) and the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC). The visit was held on 5 March 2026 and was attended by a contingent of 19 journalists, led by Smt. Jaydevi Pujari Swami, Deputy Director, PIB, and Shri Daniel Babu P, Head, PA&MID.

The visiting media delegation included representatives from PIB, PTI, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Free Press Journal, Pudhari, All India Radio, Doordarshan, Loksatta, Navsakti, True Hunt, Prahar, and The WEEK.

The visit aimed to enhance awareness among media professionals about the societal applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly in the areas of healthcare, radiation technology, cancer treatment, and isotope applications. The initiative provided journalists with first-hand exposure to DAE’s work in applying nuclear science for societal benefit. It also sought to showcase the work of BRIT in radioisotopes, radiation processing and medical applications, highlight the role of ACTREC in advanced cancer treatment, research and education, and facilitate meaningful interaction between scientists and media representatives to improve public understanding of DAE’s activities.

At the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, the visiting journalists were given a detailed overview of the organisation’s mandate and activities by Shri Pradip Mukherjee, Chief Executive, BRIT.

Senior officials and scientists briefed the media on the following areas:

• Production and supply of medical radioisotopes
• Radiation technologies used in healthcare, industry, and agriculture
• Radiation sterilization of medical products
• Applications such as food irradiation and industrial radiography

The media team was also shown selected facilities and demonstrations explaining radioisotope production, industrial and healthcare applications, quality control systems, safety protocols, food irradiation plants, and the broader societal benefits of radiation technologies. Journalists interacted with scientists and sought clarifications on the growing demand for nuclear medicine and isotope-based diagnostics in India.

The media delegation later visited the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), the research and academic arm of the Tata Memorial Centre. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, who delivered the introductory address. The journalists were then given presentations on key areas of ACTREC’s work, including an overview of medical facilities by Dr. Navin Khattry, the activities of the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology by Prof. Rajesh Dikshit, and translational cancer research at the Cancer Research Institute by Dr. Sorab N. Dalal. The presentations also highlighted ongoing efforts in the development of new diagnostics and therapies, as well as training and education programmes for oncology professionals.

Journalists were taken through selected research and clinical facilities where they were introduced to advanced medical technologies such as SPECT/CT and PET/CT imaging systems and the Proton Therapy Centre. During interactive sessions, scientists explained how DAE-supported technologies contribute significantly to healthcare, particularly in nuclear medicine diagnostics, cancer therapy, radiation sterilization of medical supplies, and the development of affordable healthcare technologies for wider public access.

The interaction enabled journalists to gain a deeper understanding of the link between nuclear science research and its real-world societal impact. The visit was well received by the journalists, who appreciated the opportunity to gain direct exposure to advanced scientific facilities, interact with leading researchers and clinicians, and understand the role of nuclear science in improving healthcare outcomes.

Such initiatives are expected to strengthen science communication and public awareness about the contributions of DAE institutions. The media visit organised by PA&MID provided an effective platform for engaging with the press and showcasing the societal relevance of nuclear science and technology. By facilitating direct interaction between scientists and journalists, the initiative helped build greater awareness and appreciation of the work carried out by DAE institutions in healthcare, research and technology applications.

PIB Mumbai | Jaydevi Swami/ Edgar Coelho/Priti Malandkar

 

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