Jožef Stefan Institute as a Scientific and Technical Support Organization to the Nuclear Regulatory Body in Slovenia

This paper introduces selected nuclear and radiation safety research activities of the Jožef Stefan Institute, which are nurtured to advance the nuclear and radiation safety knowledge and to support the technical support organization activities. A brief discussion of the Slovenian legal framework for nuclear and radiation safety, which among others resulted in a highly competitive landscape for nearly 20 Slovenian technical support organizations is also given. Some opportunities for further development of the technical support organization activities within the Jožef Stefan Institute are then outlined. Among them, the most valuable seems to be seeking commitment of all nuclear stakeholders to maintain and further develop the expertise and credibility, based on excellent research and education. This direction will need enormous communication efforts and support from the interested professionals and associations such as the ETSON and IAEA TSO Forum. (author)