Opening address by A. Kakodkar [International Conference on the Management of Spent Fuel from Nuclear Power Reactors, Vienna (Austria), 31 May - 4 June 2010]

Management of SF from nuclear power reactors is an issue that has been engaging international attention for a long time. There are differing dimensions to management of SF depending on the national policy with respect to fuel cycle, methods adopted for storage and disposal and emerging understanding. This conference is an excellent opportunity for us to exchange our experiences, scientific knowledge and ideas on the large number of issues that are involved, develop common understanding and derive appropriate conclusions. The organizers have worked out a comprehensive and well structured programme for us. With such wide participation in the conference we should be in a position to enrich ourselves with broader perspective and reach some useful conclusions arising out of our discussion