Closing Speech [International Conference on Research Reactors: Safe Management and Effective Utilization, Vienna (Austria), 16-20 November 2015]

During this week, we have heard of progress in many important areas: safety and security, use of research reactors in education and training, scientific and industrial applications, maintenance practices and core fuel conversion to LEU. However, issues and challenges remain. Some of these include: lack of new fuel for TRIGA reactors and continued challenges in development of LEU fuel for high–performance research reactors; completion of safety reassessments in light of the Fukushima–Daiichi NPP accident and implementation of needed improvements; ageing of many research reactors, with the potential impact on safety and reliability and supply of important medical isotopes; and lack of planning for decommissioning in many cases. As always, the Secretariat stands ready to assist the Member States in working to address these issues and challenges.