Norwegian Nuclear Research Center

How can we ensure and improve the safety of nuclear installations, from their design to the decommissioning process? How can we use radiation in medicine for diagnosis and treatment of diseases? How do radioactive substances spread in nature and what is their environmental impact? How can we prepared for the release of radioactivity in nuclear accidents or incidents?Competence in nuclear science is of high importance for many aspects of society, including energy, health, safety, and security. Norwegian universities and research institutes host research groups and individual researchers who have expertise in various sub-fields of nuclear science and who are engaged in research activities that are competitive on an international level. The Nuclear Research Center will, for the first time, gather relevant research environments from the University of Oslo, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and the Institute for Energy Technology under a national umbrella, foster collaborations across disciplines, and provide opportunities to perform cutting-edge research. The primary objective of the center is to strengthen the competence in nuclear science in Norway through basic research and education in nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry. Activities range from the measurement of basic nuclear properties that are needed to improve theoretical models and simulations of processes in stars and nuclear reactors, to studies of environmental radiochemistry. Activities also include research relevant for nuclear safety and preparedness, radiation protection and safety, manufacturing of radionuclides for medical and industrial use, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste management. A priority of the center is to enable young researchers to participate in this effort, to develop their talent, and to ensure that they have relevant skills and competences to meet future needs and challenges related to nuclear science and technology.

The Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC) will strengthen Norway’s research capacity and competence in nuclear science. This centre will train the next generation of young scientists through state-of-the-art research, which will equip them with the required expertise to tackle future challenges in nuclear science and technology. To achieve this, the NNRC will unite the key Norwegian institutions carrying out research and education in nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry to promote long-term fundamental research at the highest international level. Furthermore, the NNRC will directly fulfill needs of the Norwegian society for 1) radiation protection and radiation safety, 2) nuclear safety and nuclear preparedness, 3) the manufacturing of radionuclides for medical and industrial use, and 4) the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste management. The impact of this long-term investment will extend far beyond the timespan of this centre, as the universities will hire more permanent scientific staff in both nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry. This will lead to increased scientific activity and strengthening of local expertise in nuclear science in Norway.