Technical Working Group on Research Reactors (TWG-RR)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Research Reactors (TWG-RR) was established in 2008 to provide advice to the IAEA Secretariat and support programme implementation, reflecting a global network of excellence and expertise in the area of research reactors. TWG-RR gives attention to all relevant aspects in this area, including operation, applications and utilization, nuclear fuel cycle, maintenance, refurbishment, modernization, quality assurance, new designs, and development of necessary national infrastructure for new research reactors, with due consideration to the safety and non-proliferation components in these areas. The scope of the TWG-RR cuts across all IAEA organizational structures dealing with research reactors. 

Scope

The following technical areas are within the Scope of the TWG-RR:

• Research reactor operation, maintenance, refurbishment, modetnization, quality assurance;
• Research reactor applications and utilization;
• Research reactor fuel cycle;
• New research reactor projects and development of national infrastructure for research reactors;
• Nuclear capacity building using research reactors and for research reactors.

TWG-RR will give due consideration to the safety, security and non-proliferation components in all the technical areas.

Types of facilities: The TWG-RR will focus its work on activities related to all types of research reactors, including critical assemblies, subcritical assemblies, pulsed reactors and accelerator driven systems (ADS). Also included in the scope are facilities for: research reactor fuel fabrication, research reactor fuel development, post-irradiation examination of research reactor fuel, and management of research reactor spent fuel.

Functions

The functions of the TWG are the following:

•  To provide advice to DDG-NE, DDG-NA and DDG-NS on specific topics of relevance to the IAEA's programmatic activities;
• To share information and knowledge on national and international programmes;
• To contribute to the development and/or review of selected IAEA publications, in particular from the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, assess existing gaps and advise on the preparation of new publications or e-learning materials;
• Upon request, to present to the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAGNE) and to other relevant IAEA Groups and Bodies, the key findings of the TWG meeting; and
• To share experience and advice on increasing the participation of young professionals and improving the gender balance in the nuclear sector.

Membership

1. Members of the TWG shall be subject matter experts who work in the areas within the Scope of the TWG and possess strong links with national and international technical and professional networks in their area of expertise.

2. DDG-NE appoints, in consultation with DDG-NA and DDG-NS, Members in their individual capacity following their endorsement by their respective Member State(s). Members shall be appointed taking into account geographical distribution and gender balance. In addition, to the extent feasible, a fair distribution of Members shall be sought from among countries at different stages of development and utilization of nuclear technologies. When justified, up to two TWG Members from the same country may be appointed.

3. International Organizations (IOs); may be invited by DDG-NE, in consultation with DDG-NA and DDG-NS, to designate experts to participate in the TWG as Observers' Observers shall participate in their capacity as official representatives of their respective Organizations.

4. The term of a TWG is four years, which may be renewed multiple times, without limitation, by DDG-NE, in consultation with DDG-NA and DDG-NS. Members/Observers are appointed for the term (or any remaining portion thereof) and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

5. Members may propose one Technical Advisor from his/her Member State to assist and advise him/her for a specific TWG meeting. The participation of Technical Advisors is approved by DDG-NE, who shall invite Technical Advisors to attend the specific TWG meeting, subject to the endorsement of the respective Member State

6. Members of the TWG shall partake in the discussions and deliberations of the TWG and shall actively contribute to the formulation of recommendations, in line with the TWG's advisory functions. Observers and Technical Advisors may partake in the discussions of the TWG and provide their subject matter expertise; however, they shall not partake in the formulation of recommendations or in the decision-making process of the TWG.

7. The total number of Members of a TWG shall not exceed 20.

Term Duration

4 years, 2022-2025