The International Atomic Energy Agency, as part of science and technology pillar, implements through its physics section a programme entitled Effective Utilization of Particle Accelerators, supporting research topics and accelerator projects in Member States.

The over 15 000 accelerators in use around the world today make an essential contribution to our well-being, and to many products used in daily life. Over 97% of these accelerators are used for dedicated commercial applications. Only a small percentage (a few hundred) are used for scientific research, mainly at universities, research institutes and international organizations. The knowledge, and technological spin-offs gained from these research accelerators, drive the development of commercial applications for socio-economic benefit.

A comprehensive programme in ion beam modification requires not only facilities for materials production and ion beam implantation/irradiation, but also modern methods of analysis and diagnostics in order to characterize the ion beam induced effects. All these facilities may not be available in one laboratory, but can be achieved by means of collaboration between laboratories and scientists from developed and developing Member States. In the latter case, in particular, with appropriate partnerships with research centres in developed Member States and participation in research networks, research students and scientists have access to world class facilities and are able to take advantage of facility manpower supervision to enhance research development.

The paper will present present and past activities and projects supported by the IAEA.