Overview
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), McMaster University, and the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) invite you to a two-day virtual workshop on materials and fuel in-core irradiation applications, capabilities, and research reactor requirements.
The workshop will explore how irradiation supports research, innovation, technology development, and industrial needs across Canada. It also provides space for the community to share perspectives on current and future capability priorities and requirements. The discussions will inform the early exploratory work of the Pan-Canadian Multi-Purpose Research Reactor (PAC-MPRR) initiative, forming part of a broad examination of long-term national needs.
This workshop also builds on previous work reflected in the CNS national irradiation capabilities document, which outlined community needs and facility requirements. The workshop offers an opportunity to revisit and update those insights through broader engagement.
Workshop Objectives
- Discuss applications of materials and fuel irradiation across basic and applied sciences, advanced reactors, fuel development, fusion research, aerospace/space programs, defence, and regulatory missions.
- Identify technical requirements including neutron flux and energy, in-core environments, capsule and loop technologies, instrumentation, and post-irradiation examination capabilities.
- Gather community input to guide early planning for further activities and exploratory assessments under PAC-MPRR initiative.
Who Should Participate
This workshop welcomes participation from:
- Researchers working in materials science, fuel development, PIE, modelling, and irradiation testing.
- Users of irradiation facilities in academia, government, and industry.
- Developers of advanced reactor concepts, fusion systems, and high-performance materials.
- Organizations involved in nuclear applications in defence, forensics, and space sectors.
- Regulators and policy specialists interested in safety, qualification, and national capability planning.
- Students and early-career researchers interested in irradiation science and facility development.
Participants will have opportunities to raise needs, identify gaps, and contribute directly to open discussion sessions.
