WCI

Dear WCI Members,

I’m deeply honored to become President of the World Council on Isotopes and to receive the opportunity for sharing my knowledge in radioisotope production for medical, industrial and research applications, as well as my large experience in the organization and coordination of international networks aimed at securing the global supply of medical radioisotopes especially.

With over 40 years of experience as Reactor Physicist and Stakeholder Manager at the BR2 High-Flux Material Testing Reactor operated by the 'Belgian Nuclear Research Centre' (SCK CEN), I contributed actively to the development of the commercial production of radioisotopes and NTD-Silicon for the semiconductor industry. The shift of activities in research reactors from pure research programs related to material and fuel development to a good mix including commercial activities was essential to provide substantial financial support for the high operating costs and beneficial for sectors as nuclear medicine to ensure a continuous supply of medical radioisotopes to diagnose and treat patient diseases.

The expertise acquired over the years though my mandates as Chairman of the ‘Nuclear Medicine Europe Security of Supply Working Group’ (NMEU), strongly involved in securing the global supply of medical radioisotopes as Mo-99/Tc-99m, I-131 and Lu-177, Chairman of the ‘Nuclear Medicine Europe Emergency Response Team’ (ERT) for the crisis management of the Radioisotope Supply Chain and Co-Chairman of the ‘European Observatory on the Supply of Medical Radioisotopes’ will contribute to WCI’s mission for promoting the peaceful and beneficial uses of isotopes worldwide.

I’m very fortunate to rely on the experience and excellent work done by our Immediate Past President Paul Dickman and very pleased to welcome Meera Venkatesh as President-Elect. Together, we will bring our broad expertise from different parts of the global isotope community – from research institutions and national laboratories to international policy organizations – to develop further strategic collaborations in the field.

As highlighted at the 12^th ICI Conference held in February 2026 in Florence, special attention should be given to stimulate and structure the very enthusiastic involvement shown by the young generation of researchers and technologists to foster knowledge exchange and drive innovation. The need for coordinated efforts across disciplines, sectors and countries is essential to take full advantage of the potential of isotopes as tools for advancing science, improving healthcare, protecting the environment and addressing global challenges.

Looking forward working with WCI’s Secretariat, Executive Committee and Members in a way that the ‘World Council on Isotopes’ continues to grow as a global platform connecting scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and educators who share a commitment to advancing isotope science and ensuring reliable supply for society.

Thank you,
Bernard Ponsard