Our Mandate
To conduct research and development in nuclear science and technology, promote peaceful applications of radiation in medicine, agriculture, industry, and ensure radiation safety and security in Zambia.
Our Mission
To innovate and deliver science-based solutions using nuclear techniques for healthcare, food security, industrial development, and environmental protection through cutting-edge research and international partnerships.
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence in nuclear science and technology in Africa, driving innovation and contributing to sustainable development through safe and peaceful applications of radiation.
About the Department
The Nuclear Science Department at NISIR is Zambia's premier research facility for nuclear technology applications and radiation science. Established in 2005 in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we have been at the forefront of developing peaceful applications of nuclear technology in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental monitoring. Our state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with gamma spectrometers, X-ray fluorescence analyzers, and radiation detection systems, along with our expert team, collaborate with local and international partners to ensure that Zambia benefits from safe and innovative nuclear applications.
Department in Action
Radiation Measurement Laboratory
See our gamma spectrometry and analysis facilities
Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture
Mutation breeding for crop improvement
Research Activities
Gamma Spectrometry
Environmental radioactivity monitoring
X-Ray Fluorescence
Elemental analysis of materials
Mutation Breeding
Gamma-irradiated crop varieties
Radiation Safety
Dosimetry and protection training
Past Projects
Mutation Breeding for Groundnuts (2020-2025)
Developed high-yielding, drought-tolerant groundnut varieties using gamma irradiation, released to farmers in 2025.
Groundwater Dating (2019-2024)
Used isotopic techniques to map and date groundwater resources in the Kafue Basin for sustainable water management.
NORM Survey (2018-2023)
Comprehensive survey of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Zambia's mining areas.
Current Research Projects
Food Irradiation for Safety
Lead: Dr. Mwansa · Started Jan 2026 · Expected completion: Dec 2028
Optimizing gamma irradiation doses for pathogen reduction in spices and dried foods without quality loss.
Radionuclide Analysis in Water
Lead: Dr. Banda · Started Mar 2025 · Expected completion: Aug 2027
Monitoring radionuclide levels in drinking water sources across the Copperbelt province.
Medical Isotope Production
Lead: Dr. Zulu · Started Feb 2026 · Expected completion: Mar 2029
Feasibility study for local production of technetium-99m for diagnostic imaging.
Recent Publications
Mwansa C., Banda K., et al. (2026). "Gamma irradiation effects on microbial load and nutritional quality of dried spices in Zambia." Journal of Food Protection, 89(3), 245-256.
Banda K., Zulu P. (2025). "Assessment of natural radioactivity in drinking water sources from the Copperbelt Province." Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 248, 107-118.
Zulu P., Mwansa C. (2025). "Mutation breeding for drought tolerance in Zambian groundnut varieties using gamma irradiation." Plant Breeding, 144(2), 189-201.