A research reactor pool from above. (Photo: IAEA)
Today, 228 research reactors operate in 54 countries, with another 23 under construction or being planned. They play a vital role in producing medical isotopes, developing advanced materials, driving scientific breakthroughs, and training nuclear professionals.
Unlike nuclear power reactors, which generate electricity, research reactors are primarily used to produce neutrons for use in industry, medicine, agriculture, geological science and forensics, among others. Their versatility makes them an essential tool for innovation and sustainable development.
From improving health care to advancing innovation, here are some of the many ways research reactors are making a difference around the world:
Supporting Health Care
Research reactors are essential for producing radioisotopes used in medical imaging and cancer treatment.
One of the most important is technetium-99m, which is used in 85% of medical procedures worldwide for the diagnosis of cancer and heart, brain and bone diseases- up to 50 million procedures a year globally. Other radioisotopes, including iodine-131, are widely used to treat cancer and thyroid disorders.
Millions of patients depend on the radioisotopes produced at research reactors.
Driving Scientific Discoveries and Innovation
IAEA safeguards inspectors are trained to check all nuclear material at a research reactor facility. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Research reactors generate neutrons for elemental analysis, materials development, structure analysis and imaging.
This is useful for determining composition of various samples as well as studying the internal structure of objects, such as engine turbine blades, batteries and hydrogen storage devices, as well as electronic components, especially those that are not easily analysed using other techniques.
Neutron imaging can now use computed tomography (CT) scans to create 3D images, which can help examine diverse materials, from cultural artefacts to the bones and remains of extinct animals.
Research reactors can irradiate targets with neutrons, allowing scientists to study how materials react to neutron exposure and assess the resulting damage. These studies support the development of safer and more efficient nuclear fuels, longer-lasting materials and components essential to develop the next generation of carbon free nuclear power plants as based on salt/liquid metal cooled, fast breeder, fusion reactors and micro reactors for space applications.
The IAEA supports countries in expanding these capabilities. In Jordan, the IAEA provided technical guidance, expert reviews and training as the country set up its first multipurpose research reactor . The reactor supports elemental analysis and radioisotope production as well as education and training, helping Jordan make plans for neutron transmutation doping of silicon and materials research.
Building a Skilled Workforce
At the research reactor facility of the Technical University of Vienna, the Eastern European Research Reactor Initiative hosts training courses to help students build practical skills. (Photo: IAEA)
Countries use research reactors to train nuclear engineering students and professionals. They can get hands on experience in reactor operation, safety protocols, radiation protection and nuclear physics. Research reactors can also act as stepping stones towards future nuclear power programmes.
The IAEA supports countries across the world in building expertise on research reactors through training courses, fellowships and expert missions. In Morocco, IAEA support has strengthened research reactor safety, operator training and regulatory oversight , helping build national expertise while promoting the safe and effective use of nuclear technology. In Ghana, the IAEA team assessed the reactor's use across four main areas: education and training; neutron activation analysis; neutron beams research; and radioisotope production for research and development.
Through regional technical cooperation projects in Africa, the IAEA has supported countries operating research reactors, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, with training to carry out regular safety reviews and develop and implement plans to refurbish and modernize reactors so that they can continue to operate safely with increasing reliability and availability. Similar efforts are undergoing in other regions as well. The Agency has also been providing technical expertise to countries embarking on research reactor projects, including Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Some research reactors contribute to experiments related to nuclear fusion , a potentially limitless future source of clean energy, by testing materials, components and instruments that will be needed in fusion reactors.
Supporting Safe, Sustainable Development
Research reactors contribute to sustainable development by improving healthcare, strengthening scientific research, supporting industrial innovation and developing highly skilled workforces.
They also help countries build long-term nuclear science and technology capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.
Throughout a reactor's life cycle, from operation to decommissioning, research reactors enable countries to use nuclear technology safely and effectively. In Uzbekistan, for example, the IAEA has supported the safe decommissioning of the country's first research reactor while helping strengthen national capabilities in nuclear science and technology. This work ensures that countries can continue to benefit from peaceful nuclear applications while maintaining high standards of safety.
Many research reactors have operated safely for decades and continue to undergo modernization to enhance performance, strengthen safety and ensure they can meet future scientific and industrial needs.
Members of the IAEA review mission and local staff observe the core of the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1). The peer review mission assessed the reactor's utilization in areas including neutron activation analysis, education and training, and the potential for new scientific applications. (Photo: GAEC)
The Role of the IAEA
- The IAEA assists countries with the planning, construction, operation, utilization and fuel cycle of research reactors, as well as with capacity-building and infrastructure development.
- The IAEA offers research reactor training courses and workshops, publish guidance, safety standards, and provides direct support in building capabilities and addressing specific needs through the Technical Cooperation programme .
- The IAEA's review missions for research reactors support new research reactor projects and assess countries' practices using IAEA guidance and standards to improve reactor facilities' operation, utilization, safety and maintenance.
- The IAEA Research Reactor Database (RRDB) is an authoritative database containing technical information and utilization profiles on research reactors worldwide, including critical and sub-critical assemblies.
The IAEA Neutron Applications Portal serves as a central hub for resources, information, and collaboration on research reactor applications and neutron science.
