Nuclear researchers set for a change reaction.

(From Canberra Times)

A S AUSTRALIA'S new research reactor project moves toward its planned 2006 commissioning, the International Atomic Energy Agency says the future of research reactors is radically changing.

In the next 15 years the number of operational research reactors in the world is expected to fall from about 272 to as few as 30, according to an IAEA report published last month.

Like the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation's existing Lucas Heights reactor, which began operations in 1958, more than two-thirds of today's research reactors are pushing past 30 years of age, close to the end of their typical 40-year lifespan. The IAEA says they will be replaced by fewer, more advanced reactors. These will either serve multiple needs or a dedicated commercial purpose, such as medical radioisotope production or silicon doping to enhance the conductivity of electronic components.

Australia's new multipurpose reactor is one of nine research reactors under construction throughout the world, with another eight currently planned. Canada has built two new research reactors devoted entirely to producing isotopes for medical diagnosis and treatment. ''It's the universities that are doing most of the closing of reactors, says Allan Krass, Physical Science Officer with the US State Department. ''They are expensive to run.'' The former university professor told the IAEA that nuclear science is no longer a popular career path and the lack of demand to use reactors for education, training and research is one of the reasons they are closing.

''Research reactors will be concentrated more in wealthier countries,'' Mr Krass said. ''They are likely to be more sophisticated and certainly more expensive so they will tend to be located in rich countries, not poorer ones. To the extent that they are in developing countries, they will be regional 'centres of excellence'.'' The IAEA report says that some countries have managed their older research reactors to maintain their relevance. Finland's 250kW FiR 1 research reactor, which began operating in 1962, is now used to treat cancer patients using a new type of radiation therapy.

Still in development, boron neutron capture therapy offers potentially significant advantages compared ...