Pinoy physicist wins in nuclear olympics

MANILA, Philippines - A young Filipino physicist reaped honors for the country in the World Nuclear University (WNU) Olympiad 2015.

Anton Tanquintic, a 22-year-old cum laude graduate of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University, won second place among five finalists for his clear and innovative presentation on the production of radioisotopes and their practical application on food and agriculture.

Tanquintic’s 59-second video “Nuclear Solutions for Today's Needs” features digitally drawn animation on daily applications of nuclear energy and how nuclear science positively impacts human lives. A voiceover details these benefits in the fields of medicine, industry and food production.

He postulated that present-day science has shown the use of radiation sources as safe and beneficial and that people should not fear the word “nuclear.” Radiation needs a rebranding, he said.

In the video, he cited applications of radiation. Despite a stigma, the use of nuclear techniques is ubiquitous today.

On modern nuclear application, the young Filipino physicist said that in medicine Cobalt-60 sterilizes over half of medical supplies in modern hospitals.

In industry, he pointed out that gamma rays are also used to detect defects in metal structures to avoid malfunctions.

“On a larger scale, radiation sources can be used to address global problems such as poverty and hunger.”

In food production, Tanquintic said that sterile insect technique operations have reduced the reproductive capability of pests, thus eliminating them from farmlands.

Mutation breeding, he said, has improved harvests via radiation-induced hereditary changes in the plant’s DNA, where mutants with desirable traits are chosen and developed as new varieties.

In the area of food storage, Tanquintic stated that sufficient doses of radiation kill microorganisms so  shelf life of food products is extended.

He also noted that modern fridges around the world use UV lights in vegetable compartments to keep the produce fresh longer.

If not for the number of likes where the Brazilian candidate  took the lead, Tanquintic would have been the WNU champion.

The olympiad is a unique opportunity for young people to showcase their creativity and knowledge on the topic of Nuclear Sciences and Applications and their impact on human lives, particularly on the topic “Nuclear Techniques for Global Development.”

Tanquintic prepared a 60-minute video on this topic and made it to the final round in Vienna, Austria.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted the event on the margins of its 59th General Conference.

Director General Yukiya Amano presented the award to Tanquintic.

The Olympiad had a three-stage selection process that included a written essay and final round of six- minute presentations highlighting the finalist’s concept and interpretation of the theme.

According to Tanquintic, he had no expectations and just being chosen to be among five finalists flown by IAEA to Vienna was in itself a reward for his efforts to simplify the complex formula involved in the production of radioisotopes.

Sulpicio Confiado, deputy resident representative of the Philippines to the IAEA, officials of the Philippine mission, and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) instrumental in the participation of Tanquintic in the Olympiad, were in attendance during the final round.

Tanquintic had previously undertaken an internship at the PNRI under the leadership of Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa.