About the Research Reactor Database Web Site

The purpose of this site is to enable access to the IAEA’s Research Reactor Data Base (RRDB). It contains administrative, technical and utilization information on research reactors, training reactors, test reactors, prototype reactors and critical assemblies around the world. The information in the database is collected by the IAEA through an annual questionnaire which is sent to research reactor owners. Reactor operators are asked to confirm only the general information for shut down reactors and to update the information on operational reactors and reactors under construction. The date of the latest information for each reactor can be found in its database entry. The information in the database is only as good as that supplied to the IAEA.  The categorization of reactor types is difficult because of a lack of any standardization. In this directory, research reactor types are categorized according to the following criteria:  1. Manufacturer’s designations are used for research reactors for which large numbers were produced and the terminology widely understood, e.g. ARGONAUT, TRIGA, SLOWPOKE, IRT, and WWR. 2. Heavy water moderated and/or cooled reactors are listed as heavy water reactors. 3. Plate type fuelled reactors of the swimming pool type are listed as pool reactors. 4. Light water cooled and moderated reactors with closed cooling systems are listed as tank reactors. 5. Research reactors with homogeneous solid or liquid fuel and moderator are listed as either homogeneous (S) or homogeneous (L). 6. Critical assemblies are listed as such. 7. In order to avoid a large number of reactors in the ‘Others’ category, a short description of their most significant feature is used.   The data in the RRDB are maintained by the IAEA’s Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Physics Section in the Department of Nuclear Science and Applications.