Research domains

SCK•CEN is specialised in various research domains in the field of peaceful medical and industrial applications of nuclear science and technology.

SCK•CEN performs research on the development, the testing and the safety of technologies and instrumentation for current and future nuclear reactors.

With regard to advanced nuclear systems we are involved in research for GEN IV technology. With the MYRRHA project we are developing an Accelerator Driven System (ADS). MYRRHA stands for Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications.

In the domain of nuclear materials research, SCK•CEN develops and assesses the behaviour of structural materials and fuels for current nuclear installations and future applications of nuclear energy. This knowledge contributes to the development of safer and more efficiënt systems.

In the area of fusion technology, SCK•CEN contributes to the development of the test fusion reactor ITER in France, the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility IFMIF and the future fusion power plant DEMO.

With regard to radiation protection, we study the behaviour and the impact of radioactive substances in air, geosphere and biosphere and evaluate the potential effects of ionising radiation on our health and the environment and perform. The overall aim is to protect man and environment from harmful and avoidable exposure to ionising radiation.

We perform experiments and develop models to evaluate solutions for the safe and durable surface and geological disposal of different types of radioactive waste. With the decommissioning and decontamination (D&D) of BR3 we gained experience and know-how in the domain of site clean-up. We were able to test, compare and qualify various techniques for the decommissioning and decontamination of nuclear facilities.

SCK•CEN pays attention to the integration of societal aspects of nuclear research in the field of sustainable development, ethics, nuclear waste management, risk perception, communication, safety culture and nuclear law in different nuclear developments, ...

Based on its expertise in various nuclear research domains, SCK•CEN delivers specialised services to the nuclear and non-nuclear industry, the medical sector and the authorities.

Thanks to years of experience with fundamentals and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, SCK•CEN has also garnered a reputation as an outstanding centre of education and training (E&T). More information on our education and training programmes and courses can be found in the section Education & Training.