Regional Networking for RR Utilization

Transcription

1 Regional Networking for RR Utilization Shriniwas K. Paranjpe NAPC International Atomic Energy Agency

2 Strategic Plan (SP) & Networking Role RR played important role in R & D, applications in various fields industry, medicine. For various reasons change in the financial and political thought processes, privatisation in some countries, lack of manpower, under utilization of Research Reactors (RR) has become an issue of concern. RR community facing pressure to become proactive in searching new users and applications. SP is an important tool for RR users & operators to justify the funds necessary to operate the facility. To address this issue the Agency has initiated the activity to assist the RR management to prepare a realistic utilization plan and regional networking / sharing of resources for RR utilization

3 SP & Regional networking Activities Three stage operation: Guidance, discussion, refinement and implementation. 1 RWS Guidance to develop SP for RRs SE Asia region 2002 Europe region 2003 LA region RWS & TM present & Discuss SP, Regional collaboration LA Region 2005 SE Asia Region Networking Mediterranean Region Consultancy

4 TM RR Utilization sustainability and Networking SE Asia Region 2005 (2002) Some MSs have well established and structured programs for effective utilization of their RRs in support of their national programs like support to nuclear power production, RI production, condensed matter research and several applications like NAA, PGNAA as also transmutation applications etc. With the availability of new RRs under construction or at planning stage the facilities and capabilities in the region will enhance further. In some MSs the potential of the existing facilities has yet not been realized due to several infrastructural constraints.

5 Status of RR utilization & Priorities Education + Training NAA RI production NBR / NR Fuel irradiation NTD/gemstone colour Data generation BNCT + In all MSs (Strong) All MSs (Strong) All MSs varying levels Many MSs Medium to Strong Limited / specialised Limited Some MSs Some MSs R & D

6 Observations SE Asia RCA Regional program ongoing A networking mechanism is in place in application like RI production There is a great potential for the use of neutron beams in the region The networking mechanism in beam line application is rather weak There is a lack of trained manpower and facilities in many MSs for effective utilization of neutron beams Need to find more stakeholders and upgrade their beam line instruments for effective utilization.

7 Action Plan _ SE Asia Region Each MS will nominate a contact point for beam line utilization and extend the idea to other areas of utilization. Need a list of available instruments with specifications. prepare database. MSs will encourage bilateral / multilateral use and exchange of expertise / facilities for optimal utilization of available facilities in the region. Initiate collaborative programs for collective benefit of the region TM ( RCA) 2006 regional strategy!

8 RR Utilization AFRA Algeria, DRC, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa NAA for analytical services Main Areas of application Soil mapping Environment studies Nutrition & Health related studies

9 AFRA Region Activities Training / WS on Sampling, experiments, analysis QA/QC Intercomparison studies Encourage accreditation NEW Project: Extend RR facilities to MSs not having RRs / Sharing of Resources Collaborations initiated phase one

10 Networking Mediterranean Region Consultants meeting 2005 explore possible collaboration. The consultants with research reactors willing to provide access to scientists and engineers in the region. The creation of a regional network beneficial to participating MS as well as to the whole region. Form a forum of users of neutron sources to implement regional collaboration and networking. organise Meetings and Workshops under bilateral or multilateral collaboration to help in the formation of users network.

11 Mediterranean Region Next Step As a first step organise workshop with the purpose (a) to disseminate knowledge about the advantages of neutron techniques as tool (b) bring awareness about the accessible facilities in the region, and (c) develop contacts between the users and facility providers. TM planned for 2006 for MSs (a) having RRs and possibility to share and (b) MSs with no RR facilities but need to use them. National WS with participants from region 2007!

12 RWS LA Region 2005 (2003) Priority Areas MS ED/TR RI NAA NR NBR SER I&C S.C. MNG ARG BRZ CHI JMK MEX PER Total (Note: Ed./Tr. Education / training; RI radioisotopes production; NAA Neutron Activation Analysis; NR Neutron Radiography; NBR Neutron Beam Research; SERV. Services; I&C Instrumentation & Control; S.C. Safety Culture; MANG. Management.) I&C and Safety are important Safe operation is basic assumption & requirement so not considered here 1 Priority:[not applicable (0) to highest (4)]:

13 Areas for collaboration (LA) Exchange of knowledge and information in areas of RR management, including development of regional SP for utilization of RR. Main priority areas are RI production & NAA technique. Need trained manpower in this area from sampling to analysis. Include applications like agriculture, foods, health and environment based on the needs of the region. Include technology of RI production like in the case of I 125, Sm 153, Tc 99m. Backup of RI supply irradiation facility or through final product. Develop regional project on above lines

14 RER 9058 Meeting (2003) outcome The SP has to take into account the Operation and Utilization differently to reflect the interest of the stakeholders. While going in for RI production only capability should not be taken as a criterion but the market and QC should be included. Collaboration with other players in this field is essential. (5) Manpower development continues to be an issue of concern. Many students are trained in nuclear science but it is not economically favorable for them to take a job in nuclear industry. This results in lack in trained manpower.

15 Outputs Participation in events: SE Asia 10; LA 06; RER 10 Mediterranean?? The national utilization plans were presented discussed during meeting Implementation approval from management for some MSs.. Willing to share resources and participate in collaboration. Modalities??? Need support / action from management, government agreements

16 Proposed Action Plan (2 3 years) TMs Regional one per year RTCs / WSs with on hand (practical) training, experiments, instrument development, sharing one/year??? Exchange transfer of instruments (Mode of operation??) Inter regional meeting one every alternate year Exchange of information, knowledge, expertise Total participants around with RRs (SE Asia, LA, Africa, Europe Mediterranean). Sharing facilities with MSs not having RRs encourage

17 That s the status & Looking for Good Networking Thanks Shrini International Atomic Energy Agency