KAERI and ANSTO signed Cooperation MOU

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) will step up cooperation with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) through a  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for technical cooperation signed by Dr. Jong Kyung Kim, President of KAERI and Dr. Adi Paterson, CEO of ANSTO, in Chicago, USA, on August 24, 2014.

Under the MOU, both organizations will cooperate in areas of research reactor operation, research reactor utilisation, radiopharmaceutical production, etc.
Dr. Kim stated that bilateral cooperation between KAERI and ANSTO will be expanded into areas of research reactor fuel technology development and Mo-99 target for radioisotope production. Dr. Paterson stated that such technical co-operation and information exchange will continue to serve the mutual interests of both sides, and will contribute to the enhancement of research and development with respect to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. 

KAERI and ANSTO have extended their MOU four times since 1990. However, a wholly new MOU came after both sides agreed on it by reflecting new developments that have taken place over the past years, such as KAERI's plan to construct a new Kijang Research Reactor and ANSTO’s plan to construct a new Nuclear Medicine Mo-99 Facility.
Prior to the MOU ceremony, a technical meeting was held at the Chicago Hyatt Regency Hotel conference room, where experts from KAERI and ANSTO had an extensive exchange and discussion on ways to promote technical cooperation. It was found that ANSTO has a very strong interest in the introduction of SMRs in the country taking into consideration its geographical features.

ANSTO is an agency within the portfolio of the Commonwealth Minister for Industry. ANSTO is responsible for delivering specialized advice, scientific services and products to government, industry, academia and other research organizations.