What is PATRAM?

PATRAM, the International Symposium on the Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials, is a series of symposia that brings together worldwide experts from government, industry, and research organizations to exchange information on all aspects of packaging and transportation of radioactive materials.

The Symposium has become the premier forum on these issues and is the only meeting in the world devoted entirely to this subject.

The Symposium takes place every three years alternately in the United States and a non-U.S. location. PATRAM 2007 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S. Department of Transportation in cooperation and is hosted by the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM).

Message from the Chairmen
The U.S. Departments of Energy (U.S. DOE), the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) will sponsor the 15th International Symposium on Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials (PATRAM 2007), Oct. 21-26, 2007, at the Marriott Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Fla., USA.

Every three years, PATRAM gives the representatives of industry, administrations and research bodies worldwide the opportunity to meet and exchange information on all aspects of safe packaging and transportation of radioactive materials. This international exchange is one of the essential components to enhance the professionalism and international cooperation on radioactive materials packaging and transportation.

Continuing interest worldwide in radioactive materials safety, security and transportation operations, along with unique recent shipping experience, make this symposium particularly timely. In addition to being of interest to the technical community, transportation of radioactive materials is of great interest of the general public. Opportunities for partnerships and problem-solving grow from informed and lively debate on transportation and packaging issues. We encourage you to have an impact on the global transport community by attending PATRAM 2007.

Gary Lanthrum
U.S. Department of Energy

William Brach
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Richard Boyle
U.S. Department of Transportation