Experts from around the world have met in Japan to plan safer and more sustainable ways to operate research reactors, which play an essential part of the future of nuclear medicine, semiconductors and clean energy solutions.? ?
At the recent International Group on Research Reactors (IGORR) event in Mito, Japan, organized by the IAEA and Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), experts emphasized the need to ensure safety and align with IAEA safety standards.?
“Over the past 35 years, IGORR has grown as a centre for collaboration and shared progress. The IGORR 22nd Conference has paved the way for discussions on safe operation and utilization of research reactors,” said Axel Pichlmaier, IGORR Chair and the Technical Director of Germany’s FRM II research reactor.?
More than 120 research reactor experts from 34 countries attended the 22nd IGORR Conference, which was held in conjunction with an IAEA technical meeting on integrated management systems for the sustainable safe operation and effective utilization of research reactors.??
“Adherence by research reactor operators to IAEA guidelines and safety standards will enable most research reactors to achieve 80 and more years of continuous, safe operation, underpinning the provision of services, medical and industrial products benefiting the global community,” said Ruben Mazzi, Technical Lead for Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance, IAEA Research Reactor Section.??