Our corporate values
How do we bear our responsibility?
With one of the smallest elements on earth – the atom – we want to make the biggest possible difference for society. As an internationally leading research centre, we not only assess and monitor the potential impact of our activities on society, our environment, our site and the wellbeing of our own employees. We also advise others to pursue the same excellence in protecting people and planet.
Our mindset
Care and respect are the guiding principles of our acts. We invest in innovation and quality improvement to meet human and environmental challenges. That mindset flows through our veins. It is closely woven into our DNA.
What do we want to stand for? Which role do we want to play? Who do we want to be? These are the questions that come up with us when we think about our corporate social responsibility. Our commitment has no limits but starts, a/o, with the following basic principles.
Our guiding principles
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We work according to the applicable laws, ethical standards and international regulations. Upon any infringement, we take corresponding measures and inform the competent authorities.
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SCK CEN is an important partner of the government to ensure that correct measures are taken in an emergency situation. Upon a nuclear incident, we perform radiological measurements and inspections. Thanks to these measurements, we can establish the severity of the nuclear incident. We support the government with all the necessary aid and expertise. We ensure that the government can take appropriate measures.
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To prevent the proliferation of nuclear material and nuclear weapons (non-proliferation), fissile material must be managed and controlled appropriately. The inspection of its peaceful use is entrusted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). SCK CEN supports the IAEA in the development of increasingly effective and efficient inspection methods.
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Protecting people and the environment against radioactivity is something we cannot do solely on our own. For this, we exchange our knowledge about it. We help to secure the quality and evolution of these educational programmes, both on a national and international level.
Our culture
How can we bring this mindset and strategic ambition to life? By fostering a culture that connects us. Five clear principles form our common language: Integrity, Collaboration, Trust, Responsibility and Focus. These principles enable us to work, grow, and make an impact as a team.
Our care for people and nature
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SCK CEN nature walk
Doing great things with the atom as the smallest particle? That is our challenge. And we do it every day in the middle of a beautiful setting: the Mol nature that stretches across all SCK CEN sites. Although we would like to make much more of that nature. How? You can discover this on our SCK CEN nature walk. Welcome to our domain!
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Diversity and inclusion plan
The plan for the promotion of diversity, equality and inclusion focuses on awareness of what we already do well, but also calls for continued commitment. It is important that our decisions are always based on the professional qualities of each individual, regardless of gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs.
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Whistleblower policy
The main purpose of this policy is to indicate in a practical way how a whistleblower can report mainly internal breaches, and in what way they will be acted upon.
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Security
Worldwide, nuclear institutions are making efforts to strongly secure their sites, both physically and digitally. As are we, at the nuclear research centre SCK CEN. In recent years, we have implemented numerous security measures and invested heavily in security and trained personnel. This is not a one-time commitment: we are constantly investing and striving for continuous improvement in security.