A Strong and Viable Technical Service Organization to Meet Current and Future Regulatory Challenges: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Vision and Perspectives

The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) is one of the program offices of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). RES develops technical tools and analytical models, conducts experiments and maintains database of test results, and provides confirmatory analyses and technical guidance needed to support the NRC's regulatory decisions. RES is essentially the NRC's technical support organization (TSO) that provides technical expertise and capabilities to support NRC's regulatory program offices, namely the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR), the Office of New Reactors (NRO), the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS), and the Office of Nuclear Safety and Incident Response (NSIR) in licensing and regulatory decisions. RES develops the technical bases to confirm that the methods and data generated by the nuclear industry for design, construction, and operation, help ensure that adequate safety is established and maintained. The paper will provide an overview of the role and functions of RES in supporting NRC's licensing and regulatory activities. A brief discussion of the process used to conduct research and to ensure high quality research products will be provided. Some of the current technical projects and future technical challenges will also be highlighted. (author)