Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) hosted the "6th KAERI-CEA Joint Nuclear Research and Development Workshop" at the International Nuclear Training and Education Center (INTEC) on its premises from October 23rd to 24th in collaboration with the Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA) of France. 

    The workshop was significant rekindling of collaborative efforts, after the previous workshop in 2016 that served as a platform for leading scientists and researchers from both organizations. Around 20 experts from both organisations actively participated in discussions in order to exchange knowledge and seek future cooperation on diverse issues such as nuclear safety, advanced nuclear system, research reactors, and so on.

The Executive Vice President of KAERI, Dr. Incheol Lim, delievered his welcome remark in October 23, 2023. 

    After intensive discussion, French participants were invited to the tour of KAERI's research facilities incluing the HANARO research reactor, SMART-ITL*, and ATLAS**. 

* SMART-ITL: An Integral-effect Test Loop for the SMART, System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor. The objectives of the SMART-ITL are to investigate and understand the integral performance of reactor systems and components and the thermal-hydraulic phenomena occurred during normal, abnormal and emergency conditions, and to verify the system safety during various design basis events of the SMART. SMART is a small modular reactor developed by KAERI. 

** ATLAS: Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation, ATLAS, is a facility to test comprehensive thermal-hydraulic effects at a pressurized water reactor and it was designed and constructed by KAERI in 2007 with its own developed technology. ATLAS is the world’s third largest nuclear safety research facility that enables safe simulation of various accidents at the same temperature and pressure conditions as in an actual nuclear power plant using electrical heater rods instead of radioactive materials. KAERI in collaboration with the OECD/NEA has led the international joint research project using ATLAS since 2014. 

Two heads of delegations signed up the meeting minute after the workshop in October 24, 2023. From the left, Ms. Valérie Vandenberghe, a Senior Executive Advisor of Intertnaional Affaris and Communication, CEA, and Ms. Eunju Jun, a Director of International Cooperation and Business, KAERI. 

    The success of the Workshop is a testament to the value of international collaboration in advancing nuclear research. KAERI and CEA look forward to building on this momentum and further strengthening their partnership in the years to come. KAERI delegates expressed the hope that this joint workshop would not only serve as a platform for sharing the latest R&D findings and future research directions between two leading nuclear nations, but also strengthen their technical cooperation by continuing to hold such workshops in the future.