The role of the IAEA Coordinated Research Activities (CRAs) and Collaborating Centres in helping countries build expertise and skills in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology was the focus of a side event held during the 63rd IAEA General Conference today.
“Through CRAs and the Collaborating Centre network, Member States can assist the IAEA by undertaking research and development and training related to nuclear technologies,” said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, adding that “these efforts encourage scientific studies, innovation and cooperation across Member States.”
Coordinated Research Activities (CRA) bring together research institutions from around the world to collaborate on research topics of common interest under IAEA coordinated research projects (CRPs). This mechanism encourages the acquisition and dissemination of advanced knowledge and expertise in the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques.
The results of the CRPs are shared with the international scientific community through scientific and technical publications, databases, presentations at symposia and conferences, as well as through the transfer of the proven technology under IAEA technical cooperation projects.
At the end of 2018, there were 121 active CRPs with 1600 active research, technical and doctoral contracts or agreements with research institutions from around the world.
This collaboration strengthens shared goals. In her presentation, Victoria Alexeeva an energy economist at the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy explained the importance of coordinated research projects: “Before making a knowledgeable decision on a nuclear power plant programme, the IAEA Milestones document encourages countries embarking on nuclear power to analyse the potential role of nuclear power within their long-term economic development plans. This coordinated research project has brought together experts from 12 countries from different regions of the world to establish a common methodology, which allows quantifying impacts of nuclear power on the national economy, for example gross domestic product and employment.”
