More than 2,700 curious visitors at SCK CEN’s visiting weekend

"The latest cancer therapy is radioactive", "Belgium starts research into small-scale nuclear power plants", "Belgians have a say in the disposal of nuclear waste", ... Anyone reading the newspapers these days knows that the nuclear sector is a regular feature. And that means SCK CEN is, too. "These topical issues are all areas in which we conduct research on a daily basis. We even play an important role at the global level. For us, the visiting weekend was the perfect opportunity to get this message across to the general public", explains Eric van Walle, Director-General of SCK CEN. The initiative was clearly met with enthusiasm, as all the available spots were taken in less than a week. "We welcomed over 2,700 visitors. That's what we call a success!"

The nuclear research centre treated the visitors to a fascinating and interactive programme. Among other things, this programme took them into the control room of Belgian Reactor 1 (BR1), the first, and still operational, research reactor in Belgium. Visitors delved into the virtual reactor vessel of Belgian Reactor 2 (BR2) and had a go at operating the robotic arms of a hot cell. They also learned about the role played by the nuclear sector in the fight against cancer, everything that happens when nuclear power plants are dismantled, what research SCK CEN is doing into solutions for radioactive waste and how reactor technologies can help in this regard.