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          International Experts Meet in Japan to Advance Research Reactor Safety and Progress

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          Participants during the plenary session on medical isotope production at the 22nd IGORR Conference in Mito, Japan. (Photo: JAEA).?

          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.??

          Towards research reactor development

          “Research reactor development relies on information exchange to address challenges associated with integrating safety aspects from management systems, radiation protection, environmental protection, and quality systems,” said Joseph Christensen, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer in the IAEA Division of Nuclear Installation Safety.?

          Highlighting the importance of IGORR in connecting the research reactor community, Hiroki Hanakawa from JAEA said: “It is my first time joining the IGORR conference, and it is a great opportunity to connect with research reactor experts from around the world, share solutions to common challenges, and explore topics on new reactor projects, materials testing, safety, ageing, and human resource development.”?

          Consistent supply of neutron transmutation doped silicon

          Conference participants toured JAEA’s JRR-3 and STACY facilities in Tokai Village, gaining insights into the JRR-3 reactor’s design and capabilities, Mito, Japan (Photo: JAEA).?

          ?

          Participants also discussed the provision of Neutron Transmutation Doped Silicon (NTD-Si) – an essential raw material for quality, high-power semiconductors which are being used for high-voltage energy grids worldwide. By being the sole source of this raw material, research reactors are contributing significantly to decarbonizing the energy economy.?

          “There is need for closer coordination among NTD-Si producers and end users in the global market to help prevent delays or disruptions in NTD-Si production and supply in the future,” said Danas Ridikas, Head of Physics Section, IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.??

          “To contribute to these efforts, the IAEA will facilitate the creation of the ‘NTD-Si Alliance 4 Net Zero’, with its formal establishment projected in the near future,” he said. ?

          New research reactor projects

          In addition, participants shared information on several new research reactor projects worldwide. In particular, the JAEA highlighted the recently re-commissioned Static Experiment Critical Facility, designed to study the criticality of fuel debris from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.??

          Participants were also informed about JAEA launching a new project for a 10 MW multipurpose reactor, expected to contribute to a wide range of basic research such as neutron physics and materials science, and applied research for reactor engineering, radioisotope production, and other irradiation services. The meeting also featured a presentation from Bolivia, which highlighted the progress of their research reactor construction and commissioning project, planned to begin operations this year. Several other countries reported on their plans to begin research reactor projects within the next decade.?

          Role of integrated management systems for research reactors

          Central to the discussions were the shared experiences in developing and implementing integrated management systems for new and existing research reactors. Particularly, challenges associated with the integration of safety aspects from legacy management systems of old research reactors, including nuclear safety, radiation protection, environmental protection and quality systems.??

          Christensen said: “Safety and licensing lay a foundation for research reactor operations, through a framework that prioritizes the protection of people and the environment.” ?

          The IAEA Safety Standards General Safety Requirements Part 2 was acknowledged as a valuable guide as it ensures that key areas such as safety, security, quality, and environmental protection are effectively addressed.?

          Looking ahead, the outcomes from the joint IGORR and IAEA technical meeting will inform ongoing IAEA initiatives to strengthen research reactor development for years to come. The application of a management system focused on safety will play a key role in guiding the design, operation and modernization of future research reactors.?

          The IAEA assists member countries with the construction, operation, utilization and fuel cycle of research reactors, as well as with capacity-building and infrastructure development.?

          Last update: 20 Aug 2025

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