In May 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a comprehensive review mission on the use of research reactors (IRRUR). An international group of experts has conducted a thorough assessment of how research reactors are currently being used at the Isfahan nuclear center in Iran.

Member of the IAEA mission in Iran, Deputy. The director of INPhT, Professor Georgy Tikhomirov

IRRUR is a new IAEA review service designed to assist countries in improving the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear research reactor facilities (https://www.iaea.org/services/review-missions/irrur).

At the request of the Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the IRRUR mission to Iran took place on May 13-17, 2023. Five experts from Argentina, Italy, China, the IAEA and Russia participated in this mission.

The team has identified areas of further use and possible areas of research and development for which the research facilities in Isfahan can be used, as well as the products and services they can provide.

"Participation in the IRRUR mission in Iran has given me invaluable experience working in an international team of experts and a lot of impressions. I am sure that cooperation with the IAEA is a good tool for improving the use and operation of research reactors in any country. I believe that the reception of such an IRRUR mission at MEPhI would be very useful for improving the efficiency of the operation of our nuclear facilities." said a member of the IAEA mission in Iran, Deputy. The director of INPhT, Professor Georgy Tikhomirov.

According to the IAEA Research Reactor Database, 223 research reactors are now in operation in 53 countries, and 24 new research reactor programmes are under planning and development.