Highlights 2023 - Guaranteeing

Guaranteeing nuclear safety
23 March 2023

The BR2 research reactor will run with low-enriched uranium in the future. By changing to this nuclear fuel, SCK CEN helps to prevent the potential spread of highly enriched uranium – a possible part of nuclear weapons. Test-after-test the nuclear research center is on its way to its goal: a switch in 2026. Then BR2 will be the world's first research reactor with high-performance fuel on low enriched uranium. 

Guaranteeing nuclear safety
31 May 2023

After 51 years, SCK CEN is switching completely to low-enriched uranium as base material for the production of molybdenum-99 and iodine-131. "Nothing changes for the patient or doctor, but it does for the world," said Steven Van Dyck, BR2 director. And he means that from a non-proliferation perspective. Since highly enriched uranium is no longer used in the production of these medical radioisotopes, that nips a potential spread of it in the bud.

Guaranteeing nuclear safety
30 June 2023

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and SCK CEN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday 28 June 2023 for the next 5 years, until 2028. With that agreement, the two sides are strengthening cooperation in nuclear technology at our site. The Memorandum was signed during a visit to SCK CEN by Mr Han Gyu Joo, President of KAERI, and Peter Baeten, our Director General.

Guaranteeing radiation protection
2 February 2023

Demonstrating that drones can map radioactivity over a nuclear site or larger area - that is the mission of Belgian nuclear research centre SCK CEN and aerospace specialist SABCA. In December 2022, the 'X-8 multicopter drone' made its first extensive test flight. Equipped with 3 rugged CsI (Cesium Iodide Scintillation) detectors, it mapped radiation levels over our own BR3 site.

Guaranteeing radiation protection
30 August 2023

Five Belgian companies and research centres are joining forces in the AstroCardia project. With that project, they are making it their mission to improve heart health. And they are doing so in a very special place: in space. This is where they are aiming to better study heart ageing and create a suitable research model for the heart. To do so, they developed an artificial miniature heart and associated circulatory system using 3D bioprinting. This so-called 'heart-on-a-chip' will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025.

Guaranteeing nuclear knowledge
26 September 2023

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again bestowed its prestigious ICERR recognition upon SCK CEN. This redesignation reaffirms the centre’s pivotal role in the global landscape of nuclear science and technology. The label was officially handed over by Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA’s Director General, during the 67th General Conference in Vienna.

Guaranteeing nuclear knowledge
9 August 2023

SCK CEN Academy's doctoral programme has been around for no less than 30 years and has already led to 200 degrees. A double reason to celebrate and look back on a great deal of clever, academic work. "At the same time, we are looking ahead as our PhD work continues to contribute to the nuclear expertise of tomorrow," says Michèle Coeck, Director of the SCK CEN Academy.

Guaranteeing nuclear knowledge
23 August 2023

Citizen science: we all witnessed clever projects with the Flemish 'CurieuzeNeuzen' or 'ObsIdentify'. Did you know that you can also add 'RadoNorm' to that list? The consortium including our own social scientists previously launched 4 successful citizen science pilot projects and is now taking it a step further. "RadoNorm will take on the role of 'citizen science incubator' where we are rolling out as many as 6 European Radon protection initiatives," said SCK CEN experts Tanja Perko and Mabel Akosua Hoedoafia.

Guaranteeing nuclear knowledge
2 October 2023

The IAEA Scientific Forum 2023, themed "Nuclear Innovations for Net Zero" convened global leaders to address the undeniable impact of climate change and the role of nuclear energy in combating the climate crisis. Among these voices, Peter Baeten, Director-General of SCK CEN, highlighted the significance of human capital in overcoming societal challenges and fostering societal acceptance.