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BY THE MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

N.D. 19

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING IN AUSTRALIA .

Scientists from 17 countries will attend a  symposium on biological effects of radiation at the  Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment,  Lucas Heights, near Sydney, between March 8 and 12.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Swartz),   said the meeting had been sponsored by the International  Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, in association with the  A.A.E.C.

Countries participating will be;  Australia,  Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France,  West Germany,  India, Israel, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand,  Tunisia, United Kingdom, U.S.A. and U.S.S.R.

A number of papers will be presented by  eminent medical specialists. The V/orld Health Organisation

will be represented.

The Commission itself had interesting work to  its credit in this field, Mr Swartz said.

The symposium theme is "Biophysical Aspects  of Radiation Quality".

It will be broadly concerned with the effects  of ionising radiation on the human system.

This had a direct bearing on the use of radiation  in medicine, particularly in the treatment of malignant  diseases.

Several major Australian hospitals and medical  institutions will be represented at the symposium.

This is the first full-scale I.A.E.A. symposium  to be held in Australia. Two smaller and less formal  agency meetings, known as study groups,  have been held  previously,.

Note for News Editors;  Proceedings will be open to the -  '   Press, The opening address will be given by Sir Philip  Baxter at 9.30 a.m. on Monday, March 8.

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CANBERRA.

3rd March. 1971

