From November 11 to 15, 2024, the city of Vienna hosted a landmark event for the global scientific community: the International Conference on Research Reactors, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). More than 200 experts, researchers, reactor managers and policy makers from more than 40 countries participated. Discussions focused on past achievements, current challenges and future prospects of research reactors in a global context focused on sustainability, safety and innovation. Three Moroccan experts were also present, highlighting the growing importance of international cooperation in nuclear research. This event thus strengthened ties between nations and promoted the sharing of knowledge essential for the future of nuclear energy.
An exchange platform for a sustainable future
Under the theme “Achievements, Experiences and Perspectives for a Sustainable Future”, the conference highlighted the numerous contributions of research reactors in fundamental areas such as nuclear medicine, energy, materials science, and education. These reactors transcend their role as application tools to become real catalysts in resolving global issues and achieving global objectives.
They are essential to the advancement of medical technologies, in particular through the production of radioisotopes used in the treatment of cancer, while playing a key role in the training of tomorrow’s researchers. The conference thus underlined that research reactors constitute essential levers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the fields of health, education and technological innovation. This finding affirms their strategic importance in promoting a sustainable future and a better quality of life on a global scale.
A key point of the conference was the importance of these research reactors in training the next generation of scientists. These facilities provide students and researchers with the opportunity to train in a convenient and secure environment, which is crucial, especially in developing countries, where access to advanced technologies remains limited.
This dynamic is particularly significant in Africa and Asia, where cutting-edge research reactors provide unique platforms for developing skills in nuclear engineering, materials physics and radiology. By promoting this practical training, these reactors contribute to strengthening local capacities and preparing a qualified workforce capable of meeting the scientific and technological challenges of tomorrow.
Applications of research reactors: support for scientific and medical progress
Research reactors play a fundamental role in a multitude of applications. Among their most significant contributions is the production of radiopharmaceuticals, essential in nuclear medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Additionally, these reactors facilitate advanced research in materials sciences, radiology and Earth sciences. These facilities also serve as crucial platforms for testing innovative concepts for commercial reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which could transform nuclear power generation by offering safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. the environment.
An emblematic example is the TRIGA reactor (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics), mainly used for the production of medical radioisotopes. TRIGA is renowned for its ease of operation, enhanced safety and ability to operate reliably and continuously. However, the management of nuclear fuel in these reactors requires particular rigor to ensure their proper operation, thus raising important questions about sustainability and fuel management.
Fuel management and safety: priorities for the future
Nuclear fuel management was one of the most debated topics at the conference. Participants emphasized that effective fuel management is crucial to ensure the safety, sustainability and efficiency of research reactors. Fresh fuel, in particular, is of paramount importance to maintaining optimal performance of TRIGA reactors, ensuring stable power levels and continued production of medical isotopes. However, the regular renewal of fuel and its reprocessing represent considerable technical challenges, especially in the context of research aimed at minimizing nuclear waste and optimizing the use of resources.
Technological advances in fuel management, reprocessing and waste reduction were widely discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of investing in cutting-edge technologies for real-time monitoring of reactor performance and fuel inventory management. New strategies, such as the application of innovative fuel reprocessing and recycling techniques, have been proposed to reduce the environmental footprint of research reactors and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Next generation reactors and innovation
One of the main focuses of the conference was the exploration of new generations of research reactors, in particular small modular reactors (SMR). These reactors, currently under development in countries such as Japan, China and India, offer innovative solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of reactors while reducing their carbon footprint. Their modular and flexible design allows their deployment to be adapted to the diverse energy needs of countries, even those with varied infrastructures.
Although TRIGA reactors are recognized for their robustness and reliability, they face challenges such as the supply of fresh fuel and the integration of new technologies to optimize their efficiency in a constantly evolving context. Therefore, investments in the modernization of existing infrastructure as well as in the development of new generation reactors are essential to ensure the sustainability of research reactors and their ability to effectively contribute to scientific research and sustainable development.
This transition to advanced technologies could not only enhance the safety and sustainability of nuclear operations, but also expand the scope of research reactors in areas such as medicine, energy and environmental sciences.
International cooperation and nuclear security
One of the highlights of the conference was the promotion of international cooperation in the management of research reactors. The IAEA stressed that global partnerships are crucial to maximizing the benefits of these reactors while ensuring their safe and sustainable management. Several initiatives were presented to strengthen collaboration between countries, particularly in the sharing of knowledge and technologies, as well as for the implementation of universal security standards.
A particularly memorable session was dedicated to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the nuclear sector. She highlighted the growing role of women in this field, which has long been dominated by men. Inspiring examples of women scientists and engineers were shared, highlighting how talent diversification is essential to meet the complex challenges of the nuclear industry. This initiative aims not only to promote gender equality, but also to enrich the sector by integrating varied perspectives.
Recommendations for a sustainable future
At the end of the debates, several recommendations were made to guide future policies and practices regarding research reactors:
1. Strengthen international cooperation: Create strong partnerships between countries to facilitate the sharing of research reactor technologies and know-how.
2. Invest in infrastructure modernization: Encourage investment in existing infrastructure and the development of next-generation reactors to ensure safer and sustainable operations.
3. Accelerate sustainable fuel management: Promote innovative technologies for nuclear waste management and fuel recycling, to minimize environmental impact.
4. Strengthen training and education: Ensure that research reactors continue to be centers of excellence for training the next generation of scientists and engineers, particularly in developing countries.
5. Foster diversity and inclusion: Establish mentoring and support programs to increase the participation of women and young talents in the nuclear sector.
These recommendations aim to ensure not only a sustainable future for research reactors, but also to strengthen their role in solving global challenges, building on innovation, collaboration and diversity.
