Issues, challenges and approaches of the IAEA to enhance the safety of research reactors

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues, through its programs, in supporting Member States, to promote the safety of nuclear research reactors. Such programs are developed continuously according to the needs of Member States, so as to enhance the countries abilities to meet the challenges facing these programs. The research reactors safety program aims to support Member States to sustain the highest levels of nuclear safety in all stages of reactors lives. The Agency's activities include in this regard : set up nuclear safety standards, support countries in capacity-building, exchange of experiences, in addition to create an infrastructure that ensures reactors safety and makes the maximum benefit of it for scientific and social development. The results of implementing the Agency's programs show the continuation of raised levels of research reactors safety in Member States, with the obligation to take all procedures in order to ensure safety sustainability and further development of these levels, including lessons application from Fukushima accident and the continuity of nuclear infrastructure development. This paper discusses topics of nuclear safety in nuclear research reactors around the world including Arab countries, associated challenges, and the IAEA's effort on supporting Member States to address these challenges. (author)