From November 27 – December 1, 2017, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sponsored the Annual Meeting on the Safety and Licensing of Research Reactors, in collaboration with the Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators (ANNuR) and the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies of Africa (FNRBA). The annual meeting was hosted by The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Amman, Jordan. The IAEA was requested by ANNuR and FNRBA to serve as the technical secretariat. In this capacity, the IAEA conducted expert review activities and expert consultancies in a number of ANNuR and FNRBA member states; focus being on the review of their regulatory supervision programs for research reactors. In addition, the IAEA identified areas needing improvement and where they may be able to offer assistance to address these needs.
The meeting provided ANNuR and FNRBA member states with a forum to discuss issues of common interest concerning regulatory supervision of research reactors in the region with a focus on establishing and implementing an effective licensing process. Meeting participants presented on their specific national practices regarding the regulatory supervision of their research reactors, focusing on establishing and implementing a licensing process, identifying areas with adequate application of IAEA safety standards and areas needing improvement. Following the presentations, workshop groups were formed, which offered an opportunity for participants to share their knowledge, successes and challenges, and lessons learned in a smaller setting.
As the International Regulatory Development Partnership (IRDP) director, Ms. Tammy Way was invited to participate in the annual meeting. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to become better informed of the IAEA research reactor program; current/future planned activities of ANNuR and FNRBA member states; and a forum to engage and inform participants of the IRDP assistance program.