Euratom FP6 Research Projects and Training Activities Volume III

❚ TIMODAZ – A STREP assessing the extent to which the
damaged zone induced by the excavation and thermal
impact of the repository might affect long-term safety.
Partitioning and transmutation (including cross-cutting
with nuclear systems)
❚ CANDIDE – This CA will ensure that appropriate
high-quality nuclear data are available for input to
design activities for future reactor systems.
❚ EFNUDAT – An III on differential neutron data measurements,
vital to support transmutation system and
Generation IV reactor design studies.
❚ LWR-DEPUTY – A STREP looking at methods to burn
plutonium and other high-level waste in existing
nuclear power plants.
❚ NUDAME – Researchers are gaining improved access
to unique facilities at the Neutron Physics Unit in
JRC-IRMM through this TALI.
❚ PATEROS – A CA setting out the European vision for
the deployment of partitioning and transmutation
technology up to pilot plant stage.
The European Research Area (ERA) and Euratom
FP6 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
❚ PuMA – This STREP will examine aspects of the use and
transmutation of plutonium and other transuranium
isotopes in fuels for future very high temperature
gas-cooled reactors.
❚ VELLA – This III will create a virtual European laboratory
focussing on lead technologies for advanced nuclear
applications.
Radiation protection
A major focus of this research is a better understanding of
the mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis and better
quantification of the risks from exposure to radiation at low
and protracted doses – this has important implications for
the use of ionising radiation in both medicine and industry
(including nuclear energy). It also has implications for populations
living in regions with higher-than-average background
(or natural) radiation. The area also covers
protection of the environment and radioecology, risk and
emergency management, and protection in the workplace.
The ‘Euratom experience’ during previous framework programmes has been one of consistent success in pursuing
essential research and facilitating pan-European collaborative efforts on waste management, reactor technology
and safety, and radiation protection. This research effort is helping to retain and improve competences and
know-how, thereby maintaining the competitiveness of European industry in these fields.
In the fission area, there is also close co-operation between the various research players as a result of bilateral and
multilateral agreements, including at international level (for instance under the auspices of the OECD/NEA, IAEA or ISTC
and STCU) . The Euratom Framework Programme is making full use of these opportunities as well as those offered through
umbrella agreements on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology concluded between Euratom and third countries.
In co-operation with the Member States, a number of activities have been undertaken that are helping to build and
implement the ERA. In particular, these include mapping the capacity of research centres and other research players in
Europe and identifying the topics in the various research areas that need more coordination. The new instruments in
FP6 (Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence) have made a significant contribution to integrating the key
players in this area and establishing the ERA in nuclear fission science and technology. This restructuring effect
of the FP6 instruments will be capitalised upon during FP7, especially through the establishment by the research
community of technology platforms in sustainable nuclear energy (official launch date 21 September 2007) and
geological disposal (currently being planned in the CARD project).
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