To address this challenge, a comprehensive and validated database is the first step in data-driven modeling of radiation effects in polymers. A new IAEA Coordination Research Project (CRP) entitled Data-Driven Prediction of Radiation-Induced Structural Changes in Polymers aims to address this gap. The 5-year CRP will create a validated database of polymer-radiation interactions through a systematic review of existing literature and targeted experimental studies to fill data gaps.
The ultimate goal is to enable the development of a robust database for ML predictive models that can simulate radiation-induced polymer behavior under a variety of conditions.
The CRP methodology focuses on three pillars:
- Structured database: Design data structures by collating and validating decades of dispersed literature data into a single, standardized source.
- Target experiments: Conduct experiments to fill data gaps where past literature is missing or contradictory.
- ML for predictive models: Development and training of predictive models for the effects of radiation on polymers.
This CRP, which will run from 2026 to 2031, aims to:
- Identify an initial set of polymers and parameters of interest and assign a selection of different known polymers to participating research teams.
- Collect and validate existing data for the corresponding polymer.
- Fill data gaps and expand the dataset on polymer-radiation interactions.
- Build a validated database and develop predictive models.
How to join CRP:
Institutions interested in participating in the CRP must submit a proposal for a research contract or agreement by email by the deadline. May 29, 2026to the Research Contract Management Section of the IAEA using the appropriate template on the Coordinated Research Activities website. The same template can be used for both research and technology contracts.
The IAEA encourages research institutions to include women and young researchers in their proposals wherever possible. Collaboration between research institutions and local industry is encouraged.
For more information about this CRP, prospective applicants should use the inquiry form on the CRP (F23037) web page.
