As part of EU research and innovation framework program Horizon Europe/EURATOM, the European research partnership PIANOFORTE aims to improve knowledge and promote innovation in the field of radiation protection on behalf of better protection of the public, patients, workers and the environment in all scenarios of exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Accident Source Term Evaluation Code (ASTEC) software system, developed by IRSN, simulates all phenomena occurring during a core meltdown accident in a water-cooled reactor, from the initiating event to the discharge of radioactive substances outside the containment. Version V3.1 of the ASTEC software, applicable to other nuclear facilities, is now available.

As part of the radiological monitoring of workers exposed to ionizing radiation, IRSN provides dosimetry services by continuing its R&D efforts to make available state-of-the-art dosimeters. This is the case for the "new generation" RPL-neutron dosimeter, which was put into service on January 1, 2022. 

The sealing of a geological repository for radioactive waste must ensure a major containment function over a very long period. To enable its experts to assess the safety files drawn up by Andra (1) as part of the CIGÉO project (2) IRSN is conducting active research on this topic, as shown by the VSEAL project, carried out in its underground research laboratory in Tournemire (Aveyron).

Under the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, IAEA Member States may request assistance by the Agency via its Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

The Deputy Director General of the Agency and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security and the Director General of IRSN signed an agreement appointing the Institute as the IAEA’s Capacity Building Centre (CBC) in the field of medical management of radiological and nuclear emergencies.

Low power modular reactors, known as Small Modular Reactors (SMR), have generated growing interest in the world for several years now, and particularly in France. The Institute has just published an information note on this technology, covering safety issues.

On September 29, Director General Jean-Christophe Niel inaugurated three IRSN research facilities located in the Cadarache center in southeastern France. They are a testament to the Institute’s ability to design and build innovative experimental devices, essential for carrying out research in support of its safety expertise.

IRSN will coordinate a reply to EURATOM’s 2021-2022 call for applications recently published by the European Commission, regarding the creation of a partnership for radiation protection research.

Ten years after signing its charter on openness to society, IRSN has published a report that summarize its action in this specific domain, between scientific experts and citizens.

The ageing and the prolongation live duration of old nuclear power plants is an essential topic in term of safety challenges.

IRSN is involved in PERFROI, an international project to complete the safety knowledge in case of a loss of coolant accident.

IRSN presents the RESCUE project, a treatment strategy to deal with acute radiation syndrome.

Over the coming decades, a large number of nuclear reactors will be decommissioned and dismantled to enable environmental mediation.  
The aim of the H2020 LD SAFE project IRSN participates in is to characterize and review the assessment of the risks associated with the laser cutting technology.

Since the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi complex in 2011, IRSN has conducted research as part of the PRIODAC program to examine procedures for administering stable iodine to people in the event of repeated or prolonged radioactive releases. The program, which aims to set forth guidelines to be used by the authorities in charge of protecting the population, has been extended for three more years.