Overview of the international cooperation and collaboration activities initiated and performed under the Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors in the last 50 years

The Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWG-FR), the very first such international collaboration forum of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was established in 1967 (under the name of International Working Group on Fast Reactors, IWG-FR). Since then it has been the foundation of the Agency's activities in the field of fast reactor research and technology development. For the last five decades the group of experts under the umbrella of the TWG-FR has provided advice and supported the implementation of the Agency's programme. The TWG-FR assists in defining and carrying out the Agency's activities in the field of fast reactor research and technology development, promotes the exchange of information on national and multi-national programmes, fosters new developments and experience, with the goal to identify and review problems of importance and to stimulate and facilitate cooperation, development and practical application of fast reactor and sub-critical hybrid systems technology. There have been numerous technical meetings, education and training workshops, consultants' meetings, and coordinated research projects delivering a significant number of technical documents, and nuclear energy series publications supporting member states in their pursuit of research and development in this field. With a current membership of more than 25 countries, the TWG-FR plays a significant role in addressing major issues, finding coordinated solutions to overcome technological/research barriers and effectively communicating and transferring knowledge amongst its members. A combined vision of all the members helps in overcoming challenges and increasing efficiency. The paper discusses and highlights major past activities implemented by the TWG-FR, its major achievements, ongoing activities and future plans. (author)