Fundamental Research in Nuclear Research Centres

The author recalls that fundamental research, in the past rather modest in its demands, to-day requires considerable human and material resources. Because of the substantial resources at their disposal, the nuclear research centres are the organizations best equipped for fundamental and applied research in the atomic energy field. Among the areas of research in which the nuclear research centres play a role of prime importance, the author mentions nuclear physics and chemistry (particularly plasma physics and fusion), neutron diffraction (with special reference to cold neutrons of large wavelength), the effects of radiation on solids, and electronics. In his opinion the nuclear research centres, for reasons of safety and economy, are in the best position of all organizations engaged in nuclear research to manage the operation of reactors, particularly research reactors. The author stresses, finally, the positive results which have emerged from close collaboration between the nuclear research centres, the universities and industry. (author)