On 10 September 2018, the IX International Symposium on EXOtic Nuclei (EXON-2018) was launched in Petrozavodsk, Russia. The event was preceded by the traditional Satellite School in which students of the Petrozavodsk State University took part. They were greeted by Chairman of the EXON-2018 Organizing Committee Professor Yuri Penionzhkevich and Scientific Secretary of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions Alexander Karpov who introduced the theme of the Symposium and scientific work on synthesis of heavy elements to the students.

Reseracher of the Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems Alexey Agapov reported on the proton-beam therapy at the JINR Medico-Technical Complex. Participants of the School learned about research conducted in the Laboratory of Radiation Biology as well that was reported by Alexander Bugay. Alexander Nechaev told the participnts about application of beams of accelerated heavy ions in material science and nanotechnologies. Marina Frontasyeva reported on application of the neutron activation analysis in life sciences. Head of the Department of the JINR University Centre Professor Yuri Panebrattsev and leading developer of JINR educational programmes Nikita Sidorov introduced scientific and educational resources of JINR to students.

Survey reports on research in the fields of the theme of the Symposium carried out in the world-leading nuclear centres were delivered at the first session of EXON-2018 chaired by JINR Vice Director professor M.G. Itkis by leaders and scientists from these centres. The programme of the Symposium includes oral reports and poster presentations that will be given today. Topics of reports are: properties of light exotic nuclei; superheavy elements, their synthesis and properties; rare processes and decays; radioactive beams, their production and research programmes; experimental facilities and future projects.

The social programme of the Symposium covers acquaintance with the UNESCO historical and cultural site Kizhi and concerts.

Article about EXON-2018 by the JINR Weekly Newspaper