Nuclear Science and Isotopes in Taiwan, 1950s-1980s

Taking a transnational perspective, this project explores the history of nuclear medicine in Taiwan in the context of Cold War geopolitics. I focus on the building of the infrastructure and network for nuclear science, particularly nuclear reactor, isotopes, and their circulation and applications in scientific and medical practice in the East Asian region. The material culture of nuclear science, as in the case of Mobile Radioisotope Training Laboratory (Mobile Lab) is also a research interest. The Mobile Lab, dispatched by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the United Nations to further training in the peaceful uses of radioisotopes for its member countries and arrived in Taiwan in 1960, during its around-the-world training trip. It was a tool for the globalization and standardization of isotopes. Primary sources used include the documents of the Taiwan Atomic Council, Taiwan Industrial Development Bureau, and oral history interviews of participants.