The Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) established in 1996 under the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS‑L), with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It serves as Lebanon’s national body for the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, with a dual mission of radiation safety and protection and scientific advancement. The mandate was to establish the necessary infrastructure for radiation safety and radiation protection in the country, promote the peaceful use of atomic energy and its potential applications, and fulfill the obligations of Lebanon pertinent to the signed and ratified treaties and conventions with IAEA. The applicatory decree 15512/2005 of the law 105/83, Lebanon’s obligations under international treaties and conventions, as well as several ministerial decrees and decisions constitute the legal framework and basis for the LAEC’s regulatory functions. Its mandate includes overseeing all activities involving ionizing radiation in the country, ensuring that they comply with radiation safety, nuclear security, IAEA safeguards and international legal obligations.
LAEC is responsible for licensing and regulating the import/export, use, transport, storage, and disposal of radiation sources, protection of radiation workers, justification and optimization of medical exposure as well as inspecting facilities, monitoring environmental and public exposure, and maintaining a national register of radioactive sources. It also plays a central role in nuclear security, works to prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials, managing and coordination with other competent authorities of radiation portal border monitors at borders. LAEC is part and plays a key role in the national CBRN commission (an inter-agency body that coordinates national efforts to prevent and respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threats) together with other national agencies. LAEC is also responsible for Lebanon’s radiological emergency preparedness and contributes to international reporting and treaty compliance, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Scientifically, LAEC is a hub for research and development in nuclear applications, managing more than 15 laboratories across key fields such as alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy, ion beam analysis, conventional carbon dating, Raman, and other mass spectroscopies (TOF, ICP, GC, etc.). The Commission’s Gamma Spectroscopy Laboratory is ISO 17025-accredited and plays a critical role in testing food, water, and soil for radioactive contamination. LAEC also supports applied research in environmental protection, characterization of cultural heritage artifacts, forensic and materials science, including studies on counterfeit goods and pharmaceuticals. Other LAEC activities include 24/7 radioactivity monitoring in air through its 21 early warning stations that are dispersed across the Lebanese territory. Through its technical expertise, it has developed strong partnerships with universities, ministries, and international bodies, while building local human capacity through training, fellowships, and international cooperation programs..
Organizationally, LAEC is structured into key departments such as radiation safety and regulatory, environmental and border radiation control department, nuclear security and safeguards, research and development, where each department is supported by specialized laboratories and technical units. LAEC’s work has had a tangible impact: intercepting illicit radioactive materials, supporting national emergency response (e.g., post-Beirut explosion radiation assessments), enhancing food and water safety, and contributing scientific insight to national policies.
