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Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Becomes International Centre under IAEA Label

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The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) will provide scientists from around the world access to its research reactor and facilities for training and R&D as part of the IAEA-designated International Centres based on Research Reactors (ICERR) programme. KAERI received the ICERR designation at a ceremony today on the sidelines of the IAEA’s 63rd General Conference.

“The ICERR scheme is designed to foster international cooperation and contribute to capacity building by facilitating access to world-class research reactors and associated facilities,” said Cornel Feruta, Acting Director General of the IAEA. “Member States may establish bilateral arrangements with ICERR host countries for education and training activities as well as research and development in a range of areas of nuclear science and technology.”

KAERI, based in Daejeon, South Korea, offers a wide range of nuclear science facilities, including the 30 MW(t) High-Flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor (HANARO) and the Irradiated Material Examination Facility (IMEF). HANARO is a highly versatile research reactor which can be used for applications ranging from neutron activation analysis to the testing of new nuclear fuel types. IMEF is used to perform hot cell examinations of materials irradiated in HANARO.

“We are committed to playing our role as an ICERR centre so as to contribute to advancing the development of research reactors and promoting the utilization of related facilities,” said Dr. Won Seok Park, President of KAERI. “We look forward to providing a broad range of services in education, training and collaborative research.”

KAERI is now one of six IAEA-designated ICERRs, together with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the Russian Research Institute of Atomic Reactors State Scientific Centre (RIAR), the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), and both Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the United States.     

The ICERR programme was launched in 2014, to facilitate Member States, mainly without research reactors, access to research reactor infrastructure and options to carry out nuclear research and development as well as build capacity. Member States wishing to gain access to an ICERR have to become an Affiliate by signing a bilateral agreement with the centres designated as ICERR. The IAEA facilitates this process, including by sharing information on the capabilities offered by the ICERRs.

Last update: 09 Sep 2024

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