RRFM, the European Research Reactor Conference, is the annual gathering of the research reactor community in Europe. In 2023 we invite you to join us in Antwerp, Belgium.

The conference programme will revolve around a series of Plenary Sessions dedicated to the latest global developments with regards to research reactor technology and management.

This year we will also continue our discussion on the future of the supply of medical isotopes. Two interesting technical visits, to IRE and to SCK-CEN, will complement the technical programme.

Stay tuned. As the event approaches we will provide you with more information through our mailing list, on LinkedIn or Twitter .

Programme

The programme of RRFM 2023 will be published in the coming months.

STAY INFORMED

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Info Point

The European Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) 2023 – Venue

The European Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) 2023 will take place in the conference rooms on the second floor of the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, Antwerp.

Located in Antwerp’s city center, it is a short stroll across Astrid Square to Antwerp Central Station, an architecturally impressive transport hub. The hotel is easy to reach and a perfect starting point to explore Antwerp’s fashion and diamond districts.

Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel
Koningin Astridplein 7,
Antwerp B-2018,
Belgium

Find out more about the venue and how to get there.

ACCOMODATION

The Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel offers 253 rooms, suites, and apartments.
A booking link for the conference hotel and alternative accommodation possibilities will be published closer to the event.

ABOUT Antwerp

Not long ago, Antwerp has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the best kept secrets on the continent. The second city of Belgium and home to the biggest port in the country, offers a vibrant experience full of fashion, shopping, gastronomy, culture and architecture. During the 16th Century the city was one of the most important trading places, and one of the most important ports in all of Europe and history lovers will still find plenty of spots with medieval charm and architecture.

VISA

Citizens from countries outside of the Schengen area might need a visa to enter Belgium. Check here if you need a visa.

Upon request, the European Nuclear Society will prepare a visa invitation letter for delegates whose registration fees were received in full. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to give any further support to the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant. Regular cancellation deadlines apply, regardless of whether your visa was granted or not.

COVID-19 Rules in Force

Please find here updated information on the current situation and rules in place.

ORGANISER

European Nuclear Society

Avenue des Arts 56
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Email: conferences@euronuclear.org

Call for Papers

The Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) 2023 is meant to include research reactors of all powers and critical and sub-critical facilities. Contributions on synergies between research reactors and prototype SMR’s are also welcome.

Mark your diaries and be a part of it! Upload your abstracts before 25 November 2022.

For abstract submission please go to the RRFM 2023 Online Abstract Submission System

Important Dates

Deadline for abstract submission: 25 November 2022
Notification of authors: 16 December 2022
Deadline for full paper submission: 1 March 2023
Deadline for submission of PowerPoint presentations: 31 March 2023
Conference: 16 – 20 April 2023

Authors Resources

Download the Call for Papers

Download the Instructions for authors

Download the CV template

The Programme Committee is calling for both oral and poster presentations regarding:

Research reactor nuclear fuel cycle from front-end to back-end – cconversion to LEU fuels; fissile material supply; fresh fuel and targets: origin, fuel development, qualification, fabrication; in-core fuel management and safety; fuel transportation; fuel and reactor licensing; fuel back-end management including reprocessing, spent fuel storage, corrosion and degradation; fuel cycle economics.
Utilisation of research reactors – capacity building; E&T programmes; nuclear science and technology including support for nuclear power programmes; neutron beam applications; industrial and medical applications, including radio-isotopes production and irradiation/transmutation technology; strategic and business plans; networks and coalitions.
Innovative methods in reactor physics and thermo-hydraulics – development and application of advanced computational methods and tools for core load management (operational and safety analysis, and fuel cycle physics); benchmark exercises; nuclear data improvements.
New research reactor projects – national/regional plans or construction updates; lessons learned from new research reactor projects – design, construction and start of operation; proliferation resistance; development of national infrastructures; design for decommissioning; synergies between research reactors and prototype SMR’s.
Research reactor operation & maintenance and ageing management – managing reliability issues (commissioning, early operation to end of life related issues); ageing management, modernization, refurbishment, long term operation and life-time extension; maintenance management systems; human resource development and training programmes.
Research reactor safety and security – implementation of updated international safety and security standards; application of graded approach to regulatory safety and security requirements; review of national regulatory requirements on safety and of licensing activities; design review and upgrades including associated facilities (spent fuel storage facilities); safety analysis methods and approaches; safety of experiments and experimental devices; assessment of fire safety; management of the interface between nuclear safety and security; cyber security issues; review of emergency and contingency plans;
Decommissioning and dismantling of research reactors and waste management – strategies and concepts; radiological characterisation; decommissioning planning; economics and cost estimation; licensing; backend solutions for reflector and shielding materials; decontamination and measures to reduce radiation exposure; radiation and environmental protection; treatment, storage and disposal of radioactive waste; logistics and transportation; on-going projects; D&D lessons learned.

RRFM 2023 Student Competition

Participate in the RRFM 2023 Student Competition!

In 2023 the Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) Progamme Committee will again organize a Student Competition.

The challenge

Participating PhD and Master Students will be invited to present a compelling spoken presentation of their research topic to the international Research Reactor Community during the Opening Plenary Session of the Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) 2023.

Inspired by existing Three-Minute Thesis competitions, the presentation should compress the research topic into 180 seconds and communicate it to the international Research Reactor Community. The presentation can be accompanied with a maximum of three Power Point slides, but this is not compulsory.

This presentation should be complemented by a poster presentation which will be on display for the entire duration of the conference, and which should be discussed with the audience during a dedicated Poster Session. The aim should therefore be to make the research topic clear and compelling and encourage the audience to continue the discussion during the Poster Session.

Who can participate?

All students of subjects of relevance for the Research Reactor Community and who are working on research topics defined in the Call for Papers for the Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) 2023 are invited to apply for participation in the competition.

What are the next steps?

Interested students should submit their abstract text (approx. 400 words) in English through the RRFM 2023 Abstract Submission System by 25 November 2022 under the category ‘Student Competition’.

The Programme Committee of the Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) will select up to 10 researchers who will be given the opportunity to present their work to the international Research Reactor Community.

The European Nuclear Society will send a complimentary registration form to all participants of the competition, allowing them to participate free of charge in the RRFM 2023 conference, including all technical tours and social activities.

Participating students will follow the instructions for poster presentations and will prepare for their Three-Minute presentation in the Opening Plenary Session.

A great recognition from the international Research Reactor Community!

RRFM delegates will get to vote for their favourite student presentation and award the ‘Audience Prize of the Research Reactor Conference (RRFM)’.

The quality of the research presented as well as the accuracy and clarity of the presentation will be the selection criteria at stake.

European Research Reactor Conference is an ENS Conference