Advances in Integrating European Research on the Near-Field System

The Integrated Project NF-PRO (Sixth Framework EURATOM Programme, European Commission) has investigated key-processes in the near-field of a geological repository for the disposal of high-level vitrified waste and spent fuel. While the scope of individual projects in previous EC Framework Programmes was restricted to specific near-field components and processes, NF-PRO is the first EU project bringing together all areas of expertise required for evaluating the performance and the evolution of the near-field system. Under NF-PRO, interactions between different experts have increased and major advances have been made with respect to the phenomenological understanding of processes influencing the performance of the near-field system. The level of integration achieved by NF-PRO, in particular the pooling of all fields of expertise required for development of a comprehensive and phenomenological understanding of the behaviour of the near-field system and its evolution in time and space is unique and has not been achieved in preceding Framework Programmes. The scientific output by NF‑PRO is particularly relevant to repository development programmes in EU Member States where information derived from the project can be applied in the safety case. This paper gives a summary overview of key scientific advances made by NF‑PRO