The IAEA is opening up its new water laboratory network for member applications, it was announced today.

The IAEA’s Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) Network was first announced at the 2023 UN Water Conference, as a way to help countries bridge critical water data gaps and strengthen resource management.

After significant consultations with countries on their needs and capacities, the network is now ready to accept applications for membership from water laboratories around the world.

The call for applications was launched alongside the Scientific Forum, an event held every year on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference, on topics of relevance to nuclear science. This year’s event, Atoms for Water, is focused on how nuclear and related techniques can help countries track and manage limited water resources better.

“The GloWAL Network exemplifies the IAEA’s dedication to empowering countries, encouraging collaboration, producing data for policymaking and promoting water’s essential contribution to peace and prosperity,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

“Today, the IAEA is inviting laboratories worldwide to apply for membership and join this global effort to improve water resource sustainability,” said Jodie Miller, Isotope Hydrology Section Head.

“The GloWAL Network is not just about data — it is about having the information to make informed decisions,” she added. “When countries can analyse their own water resources, they gain the tools to protect them.”

GloWAL Membership Benefits at a Glance

By joining the GloWAL Network, laboratories gain access to:

Specialized training programmes in isotope hydrology and water quality analysis

Quality assurance support including proficiency testing

A collaborative platform for knowledge exchange with global experts

Opportunities to contribute to coordinated research projects

“Joining the GloWAL network is an important opportunity for our laboratory,” said Gilbert Nijimbere, Lecturer at the University of Burundi. “We’re looking to strengthen our technical capabilities and collaborate with experts to guide us as we aim to learn and contribute more effectively to the water resource challenges we face.”

Bridging Gaps in Water Science

The GloWAL Network enables collaboration and communication among laboratories of varying sizes across all regions to:

Generate their own comprehensive water data using nuclear and isotopic techniques

Make evidence-based decisions about water resource management

Support the coordination and harmonization of regional approaches to water management and data reporting

“Water resource challenges do not adhere to geographical borders,” said Tzanka Kokalova Wheldon, Director of the IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences. “As such, the GloWAL Network reflects the IAEA’s dedication to support all countries to address water challenges through the application of nuclear and isotopic science.”

GloWAL Network Designed for Impact

The GloWAL Network will connect laboratories globally through a system of nodes, each playing a vital role:

Development nodes: laboratories with basic capacity

Growth nodes: operational laboratories seeking advanced equipment or training

Anchor nodes: fully equipped hubs that mentor other laboratories and lead regional collaboration

Affiliate nodes: advanced laboratories that are interested in collaborating with the GloWAL Network

Network partners: established laboratories that work with the IAEA to deliver on programmatic priorities and services to the GloWAL Network

Regional networks in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and Central Asia will prioritize local needs while fostering cross-border partnerships.

How to Apply

Laboratories in IAEA member countries are encouraged to:

Explore eligibility criteria on the GloWAL Network Membership Portal

Submit an application for review by the IAEA

Join and participate in the GloWAL Network, with tailored support based on lab capacity

“The British Geological Survey’s stable isotope facility fully supports the aims and ambitions of the GloWAL network and welcomes the opening of the application process,” said Angela Lamb, Research Scientist at the British Geological Survey. “We hope that with our technical and scientific support to drive innovation and collaboration, we can help to build a strong and successful network for the future.”

Start your application process via the GloWAL Network Membership Portal.