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228 Research Reactors Worldwide in Operation, Supporting Medical Isotope Production and Neutron Science Innovation

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency on August 7, research reactors continue to drive innovation in science, medicine, and industry worldwide. Currently, 228 research reactors are in operation across 54 countries, with another 23 under construction or in the planning stage. Unlike nuclear reactors used for power generation, these reactors primarily produce neutrons to support medical, industrial, agricultural, geological, forensic, and nuclear science research. A research reactor pool photographed from above. (Photo: IAEA) In the medical field, research reactors are a vital source of medical radioisotopes. Among them, technetium-99m is widely used for diagnosing cancer and diseases of the heart, brain, and bones; a large number of medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures worldwide rely on this isotope. Other radioisotopes such as iodine-131 are also used in the treatment of cancer and thyroid diseases. The IAEA states that radioisotopes produced by research reactors serve millions of patients globally and are an essential component of modern nuclear medicine systems.

2026-08-09

Shanghai Electric Southwest Regional Headquarters Unveiled in Chengdu, Government-Enterprise-Research Collaboration Builds a New Hub for Green Energy

On August 6, the unveiling ceremony of the Southwest Regional Headquarters of Shanghai Electric Group was held in Chengdu. Jin Xiaolong, member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Shanghai Electric, attended the event and delivered a speech. More than 200 representatives from relevant government departments of Sichuan Province, Chengdu City and the Southwest region, the Shanghai Office in Tibet, key enterprises, research institutes, industry associations, as well as heads of relevant functional departments of Shanghai Electric headquarters and various industrial groups, participated in the event. The newly unveiled Southwest Regional Headquarters will be based in Chengdu, radiating to Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou and Tibet, positioned as a collaboration platform for the regional market, a service hub for industrial upgrading, and a connecting vehicle for ecosystem co-building, integrating Shanghai Electric's comprehensive advantages in energy equipment and green intelligent industry...

2026-08-08

Liu Mingsheng, Party Secretary and Chairman of SPIC, Conducts Research Visit to SPIC Laiyang

On August 6, Liu Mingsheng, Party Secretary and Chairman of State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), conducted a research visit to SPIC Laiyang, where he conveyed and studied the spirit of the State Council Executive Meeting held on July 31, inspected the site of the Laiyang Nuclear Power Project, and chaired a research symposium. Liu Mingsheng affirmed the overall work approach of SPIC Laiyang. Liu Mingsheng pointed out that Laiyang Nuclear Power, as the first implementation project for the standardization and batch construction of "Guohe No.1", is of extremely significant importance to the Group's high-quality development of nuclear power. It is essential to conscientiously implement the spirit of the State Council Executive Meeting on July 31, construct and operate nuclear power units in accordance with the world's highest safety standards, always adhere to the principle of "safety first, quality first", prioritize nuclear safety at the highest level, and ensure absolute safety in nuclear operations. It is necessary to unify thinking, strengthen confidence, scientifically grasp opportunities and challenges, continuously enhance the maturity of the "Guohe No.1" reactor design, accelerate the improvement of its competitiveness, strengthen nuclear power construction management capabilities and talent team development, build the Laiyang Nuclear Power Project to high standards and high quality, polish the "Guohe No.1" brand, develop replicable and scalable management models and experience, and promote large-scale development.

2026-08-08

Hu Jinjun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Publicity Department, Conducts Research in Huizhou: Advancing Marine Economy Toward High-Quality Development by Leveraging the Sea

Recently, Hu Jinjun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Publicity Department, conducted research in Huizhou, emphasizing the need to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on promoting high-quality development of the marine economy, implement the provincial party committee's deployment requirements, orderly advance post-disaster recovery from Severe Typhoon Hongxia, consolidate the foundation during resumption of work and production, adhere to leveraging the sea for strength, and accelerate the high-quality development of the marine economy. Hu Jinjun and his delegation visited Guangdong Huangjing Marine Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Haozhaolou Wetland Park, the two major scientific facilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CGN Taipingling Nuclear Power Station, and Unilumin Technology Huizhou Daya Bay Science and Technology Park, among other sites, to learn about the protection of Chinese bahaba germplasm resources and innovation in the southern sea large yellow croaker seed industry, marine ecological protection, commercialization of achievements from major scientific facilities, construction and operation of major energy projects, and R&D and manufacturing of cultural equipment, expressing recognition for the relevant work.

2026-08-07

Indonesia's BRIN Showcases Nuclear Technology Research Progress, Covering Radiopharmaceuticals and Food Irradiation Applications

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia recently showcased its nuclear technology research achievements at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. BRIN Head Arief Satria stated that the relevant technologies fall within the scope of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, with applications extending beyond energy to also cover food and health sectors. In the health sector, BRIN is developing radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine. These drugs contain radioactive substances and can be used for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Arief stated that radiopharmaceutical research and development is of great significance for cancer detection and therapy. In the food sector, BRIN applies nuclear technology to food preservation, with a focus on irradiation treatment of export fruits. Arief explained that some importing countries re...

2026-08-07

Basic research cracks an application challenge that has persisted for nearly half a century: quantitative prediction of neutron irradiation swelling via ion irradiation

Whether advanced nuclear energy systems can operate safely over the long term depends on the ability of structural materials to resist neutron irradiation damage. Neutrons create numerous atomic-scale defects in materials, which gradually aggregate into nanoscale cavities, ultimately causing material swelling, dimensional instability, and performance degradation. However, obtaining high-dose neutron irradiation data often requires years or even more than a decade, with high costs and post-irradiation sample radioactivity; in contrast, ion irradiation can simulate years of accumulated damage within days and is therefore widely adopted (approximately 95% of irradiation experimental data in existing literature come from ion irradiation). But the dose rate of ion irradiation is typically 3—4 orders of magnitude higher than that of neutron irradiation, making direct conversion between the two results difficult. Recently, the research team of Wang Chenxu and Wang Yugang from the Institute of Heavy Ion Physics, School of Physics, and the State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Technology at Peking University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tennessee and other institutions, established a quantitative relationship between material swelling and irradiation dose and dose rate at fixed temperatures based on cluster dynamics simulations, theoretical derivations, and ion irradiation experiments, achieving prediction of neutron irradiation swelling using rapid ion irradiation and providing a new tool for rapid screening and lifetime evaluation of nuclear materials.

2026-08-07

China's First Industry Standard for LOCA BEPU Analysis, Led by CGN Research Institute, Officially Released

Recently, approved by the National Energy Administration, the energy industry standard "Technical Requirements for Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty Analysis of Loss of Coolant Accident in Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants" (NB/T 20751-2026), led by CGN Research Institute, was officially released. The standard was developed under the leadership of the Research Institute, in collaboration with the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China Nuclear Power Research and Design Institute, Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute, Hualong Nuclear Power Technology Co., Ltd., and China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., among other organizations. It will come into effect on December 26, 2026. This standard is China's first BEPU analysis...

2026-08-06

CNNC Western Geological Survey Center Conducts Business Exchange with CNPC Logging Geological Research Institute

To thoroughly implement the national strategy for energy and resource security, promote the integration and mutual enhancement of oil and gas logging and uranium ore geological survey technologies, facilitate cross-industry research resource sharing and joint tackling of key technologies, recently, Wang Leli, Party Secretary of CNNC Western Geological Survey Center, led a team to CNPC Logging Geological Research Institute for a special technical exchange and discussion. At the meeting, Wan Jinbin, Party Secretary of CNPC Logging Geological Research Institute, systematically introduced mature technology systems including domestic integrated oil and gas logging equipment, downhole detection, petrophysical experiments, intelligent logging interpretation, deep well detection, and multi-source geological data analysis, and shared uranium exploration experience in oil- and gas-bearing basins through practical case studies. Wang Leli introduced the reform and development overview of the Western Center, its uranium exploration history, major achievements, and research directions such as technical difficulties and metallogenic prediction in uranium exploration of key northwestern basins.

2026-08-06

Vietnam Issues 470 International Nuclear Energy Standards Covering the Full Chain of Nuclear Power Plants, Research Reactors, SMRs, and Radiation Protection

Vietnam is preparing for nuclear energy development, with the Ministry of Science and Technology recently issuing a list of 470 international and foreign standards directly applicable to the atomic energy sector. These standards cover multiple aspects including safety, design, operation, equipment, personnel, radiation protection, nuclear security, and accident response, aiming to ensure the safe and reliable operation of nuclear facilities throughout their entire lifecycle. The list encompasses requirements across a wide range of fields, from nuclear power plants and research reactors to fuel technology, monitoring systems, radioactive waste management, and nuclear security. For nuclear power plants, the standards cover analysis, safety assessment, design, commissioning, equipment classification, accident management, aging management, maintenance...

2026-08-06

Two Advanced Materials Research Projects by 1st American Nuclear Co. Supported by U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Science User Facilities Program

1st American Nuclear Co. (FANCO) announced on August 3 that two research proposals submitted by its scientists have been selected for support under the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy. Both selected projects come from the NSUF Fiscal Year 2026 Rapid Turnaround Experiment (RTE) review cycle, with research focused on next-generation reactor materials and fuel-related issues. The NSUF Rapid Turnaround Experiment program is open to nuclear energy researchers and primarily provides irradiation testing, post-irradiation examination capabilities, and related technical support...

2026-08-06

A batch of radioactive waste from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute deemed unsuitable for disposal due to documentation discrepancies

According to disclosures by relevant parties on August 5, a batch of radioactive waste shipped last year by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facility (RWDF) in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was deemed unsuitable for batch disposal due to inconsistencies between the declared documentation and actual contents. The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) conducted inspections after receiving the waste. KAERI shipped a total of 694 drums of radioactive waste to the disposal facility last year, of which 69 drums were inspected, and 32 were found to be non-compliant. The primary reason for non-compliance was discrepancies between the contents of the documents submitted by the institute and the actual inspection results after receipt. As a result, this batch of waste from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute...

2026-08-06

Han Bing, Chairman of Hefei Municipal CPPCC, Leads Delegation to CYC Ion for Research and Guidance

On the afternoon of August 4, Han Bing, Chairman of Hefei Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led a delegation to CYC Ion for research and guidance, and held a symposium. Yong Fengshan, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress; Su Xiang, Secretary-General of the Municipal CPPCC; Jiang Xin, Chairman of the Municipal Industrial Investment Group; Zhang Xiaofeng, Director of the Education, Science, Health and Sports Committee of the Municipal CPPCC; and Guo Mei, Deputy Director of the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, participated in the event. Song Yuntao, Deputy Director of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Liu Lu, Chairman of CYC Ion; Chen Yonghua, General Manager; and Deputy General Managers Ding Kaizhong, Li Jun, and Guang Ruohuai accompanied the delegation. The delegation was briefed in detail on CYC Ion's industrial layout and business operations, with discussions focusing on key technological breakthroughs in nuclear medicine and high-end equipment, technology transfer and commercialization, and industrial development.

2026-08-06

Russian Researchers Develop High-Wear-Resistant Steel Sample for Nuclear Waste Processing

Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) recently announced that Russian researchers have developed a steel sample with reinforcing elements. Experimental results show that the durability of this material is approximately 4 times that of 5KhNM tool steel currently used in nuclear power plant waste processing equipment. The research focuses on improving precipitation hardening steel structures. Precipitation hardening steel is a special class of alloy material that, after quenching and holding at specific temperatures, precipitates fine, hard particles within the steel, thereby enhancing strength and wear resistance. The researchers aim to replace existing 5KhNM tool steel with new high-strength alloys...

2026-08-04

Researchers at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveal the dual-directional role of shell effects in multinucleon transfer reactions

Recently, the research team from the State Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Science and Technology at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, revealed the dual-directional mechanism of shell effects in multinucleon transfer reactions and proposed optimized reaction systems. This study provides new insights for the efficient synthesis of neutron-rich nuclides in the laboratory. The results were published in Physics Letters B. The synthesis and study of neutron-rich nuclides near the neutron magic number 126 are of special scientific significance, as the properties of these nuclides are directly related to how heavy elements such as gold and platinum in the universe are formed. However, efficiently producing these nuclides has long been an experimental challenge. Traditional fusion-evaporation...

2026-08-04

Cosmic Rays "Probe" Soil Moisture from Above: Colorado State University Innovates Soil Moisture Monitoring Technology

Researchers at Colorado State University are utilizing a mobile cosmic-ray neutron rover to explore a novel soil moisture monitoring method. This technology is expected to provide data support for hydrological research, particularly in assessing the impacts of wildfires on landscapes. The rover is reportedly capable of estimating soil moisture over large areas by measuring changes resulting from the interaction of cosmic rays from outer space with hydrogen atoms in the soil. Unlike traditional sensors that only capture near-surface data at a limited number of points, or the coarse resolution of satellite remote sensing, this technology offers a mesoscale dataset that falls between the two, enabling more accurate mapping of moisture distribution...

2026-08-04