I welcome the publication of the book Practical Applications of Radioactivity and Nuclear Radiations – An introductory text for engineers, scientists, teachers and students by Drs Gerhart Lowenthal and Peter Airey.

This book aims to provide readily accessible information on the applications of nuclear science and technology to industry, the environment and scientific research. It is tailored to students and non-specialists who seek to be informed, and may eventually wish to contribute to this world-wide endeavour. Emphasis is placed on the science underpinning the applications.

An objective of international bodies such as the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is to extend the benefits of nuclear related technologies across national boundaries. One of the authors (P.A.) was involved for a number of years in this endeavour through the IAEA.

I am pleased to endorse this book as a further step in this on-going quest.

The discovery of X rays and radioactivity in the 1890s had a profound effect on the century which was to follow. After more than one hundred years of endeavour which has been both marred by conflict and enriched by high achievement, we enter the new millennium with a more mature understanding of the benefits that nuclear technology can bring to mankind.