About 50 veteran scientists and experts from across the globe will be participating in the first of its kind three-day International Symposium on Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Technology in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries scheduled to begin here on Monday. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, will inaugurate the symposium at King Abdul Aziz University where 52 research papers will be presented by experts from 23 countries including America, Japan, China, Canada, France, Germany and from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Muhammad Subian Al-Johani, head of the Nuclear Engineering Department in the university, said at the symposium's preparatory meeting on Saturday. Saudi Arabia has achieved two patents in nuclear engineering registered in the United States. “This symposium is meant to raise an awareness about the benefits of peaceful applications of nuclear technology,” said Dr. Al-Johani. At a press conference on Saturday, Dr. Osama Tayyeb, Director of King Abdul Aziz University, refuted claims that the institution was not giving much attention to nuclear technology. Responding to a question from Saudi Gazette, Dr. Tayyeb said it was wrong to suggest that the department has fewer number of students in the engineering faculty with most of them carrying low grades. Dr. Tayyeb said the symposium itself proves the strength of the department. The symposium aims to attract international organizations in the field at the opportunities available in GCC countries. It seeks to provide strategic and important technological information to government departments and other decision-makers to help them in planning a peaceful nuclear program in GCC countries. – SG __
