USU researchers forge link with Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

2009-10-23

USU scientists discussed possible cooperative efforts in the nuclear power research field during a meeting with South Korean counterparts, which was held on November 9–13 at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in Daedjon, 200 km from Seoul. USU was represented by vice president for research and IT, prof. Viktor Golovanov and director of technological research institute, prof. Vyacheslav Svetukhin.

The Russian delegation also included prof. Vladimir Risovanny, deputy director of Atomic Reactors Research Institute in Dimitrovgrad, Ulyanovsk region, and Vyacheslav Popov, director of research of Physics and Energy Institute in the city of Obninsk.

KAERI, which has worked together with Dimitrovgrad institute for almost ten years, was represented by staff members of the Department of Applied Nuclear Technology Development headed by Dr. Pil Soo Hahn.

The meeting attendees discussed nuclear fuel, construction and absorbing materials utilized in small scale power generation and research reactors. USU presentation about various aspects of research and development carried out by the university generated a lot of interest, as well as the proposal to apply mathematical modeling of radiation impact on material qualities.

The cooperative agreement established between the parties will bring additional resources to USU scientists that currently receive restricted funding from Russian Ministry for Nuclear Energy. It is expected that funds allocated by Korean partners for the joint research project will reach two million dollars per year.