Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) welcomed a high-level delegation from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) on January 12, marking an important step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in advanced nuclear science and technology between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

The ANL delegation was led by Dr. Kirsten Laurin-Kovitz, Associate Laboratory Director, and Dr. Temitope Taiwo, Director of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division, and was accompanied by Ms. Jenifer Wolin, Energy Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting with KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo, attended by Executive Vice President Dr. Incheol Lim and Senior Vice President Dr. Chae Young Lim. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strategic priorities in nuclear research and discussed pathways for expanding institutional collaboration across advanced reactor technologies, fuel cycle research, and nuclear infrastructure.

The program continued with an overview session on KAERI’s major research activities, followed by discussions to explore potential areas for collaboration between the two institutions. Senior management presented KAERI’s flagship R&D programs, including developing advanced reactor systems, as well as research on back-end fuel cycle technologies, nuclear safety, and the utilization of large-scale research infrastructures such as the HANARO research reactor, accelerator facilities, and quantum science platforms.

In the afternoon, the delegation toured key KAERI research facilities, including the HANARO research reactor, fuel fabrication facilities, ATLAS, PRIDE pyroprocessing facilities, and STELLA-2. These site visits enabled detailed exchanges on ongoing research progress and identified potential areas for future joint research and technical collaboration.

Through this visit, KAERI and Argonne National Laboratory reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies and strengthening long-term partnerships between leading research institutions in Korea and the United States.