Online platform to optimize the use of research reactors

One of the most important outputs of the TOURR (Towards Optimized Use of Research Reactors) project is an online platform to facilitate the optimization of research reactors (RR) use in Europe. The platform will be made public (once the beta testing will be completed) and accessible via the ENEN website. It will be kept online and updated also after the end of the TOURR project. The purpose of the platform will be to provide information about the use of RRs in terms of science and technology, production of radionuclides and education and training activities. It will be easier to coordinate the ‘offer’ with the ‘request’ on all these aspects, once all the information is gathered on the same online tool. The platform will include the identification of available infrastructures, characterization of these infrastructures as well as a continuously updated overview of the available capacities and corresponding abilities of the participating RR operators. The platform will also facilitate an easy contact between potential users and reactor operators. It will be based on the model of open user facilities where research reactors operators interact with their potential users to match resources with needs. The platform shall allow for enhanced and potential new utilization of the RR; create a pool of resources resulting in cost reduction in case of similar needs, avoiding duplications of efforts to enhance scientific excellence. The TOURR project is in the final year of its implementation and has been developing all its actions across three axes: science and technology, education and training and medical applications. There are already other EURATOM funded actions on going which will carry on some of the TOURR goals. Among them the SECURE project (Strengthening the European Chain of sUpply for next generation medical RadionuclidEs). The SECURE project aims to make a major contribution to the sustainability of medical isotope production and its safe application in Europe. It is focusing on promising developments in the design of irradiation targets, production routes for existing and new isotopes in nuclear therapy and diagnostics. The ambition of SECURE consortium is to identify and efficiently use the current resources for new radionuclides. The platform will be proposed for use to the RR in the SECURE consortium and will definitely help in the optimization of resources and foster coordination of efforts among involved RR. The TOURR project has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2019-2020 under grant agreement No 945269. The SECURE Project is funded by the European Union.