RTI’s Amanda Walsh named to The National Academies e-beam technologies committee

Experts will examine cutting-edge electron-beam technologies for the sterilization of medical equipment and food irradiation

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — The National Academies has announced the appointment of Dr. Amanda Walsh, a research economist at RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, to its ad-hoc committee examining the expanded use of electron-beam (e-beam) technologies in the U.S.

"I'm honored to join this important initiative," said Dr. Walsh. "E-beam technology has immense potential to revolutionize sterilization processes and drive safer, more efficient solutions that strengthen U.S. industries. I look forward to working with the committee to identify new opportunities and overcome challenges in this field."

The committee will assess the lifecycle benefits of e-beam technologies, explore new applications, and identify key scientific advances to improve their reliability and effectiveness. They will also develop priority research needs and strategies to transition laboratory innovations into commercial applications.

Key benefits of e-beam technology include:

• Safer alternative: E-beam sterilization reduces reliance on potentially harmful chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Versatile applications: Can be used for medical equipment sterilization, food irradiation, and other industrial processes.
• Energy efficient: E-beam technology typically uses less energy than traditional thermal sterilization methods.

The National Academies will release a public report with the committee's findings and recommendations upon completion. This initiative aims to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of irradiation processes across various industries in the U.S.

In 2024 Dr. Walsh’s work contributed to quantifying the impact of federal investments in neutron scattering facilities, highlighting their role in advancing materials research, driving innovation across energy, defense, and healthcare sectors, and delivering measurable economic returns. This included a cost-benefit analysis of federal investments in neutron scattering facilities, estimating billions of dollars in social, economic and environmental benefits across case studies like computer hard drives, aviation safety, weight loss drugs and electric vehicle development.