Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Chalk River site
The nuclear labs in Chalk River are putting a new focus on research with a pair of collaborations.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Crown Corporation Atomic Energy Canada Limited recently announced a collaboration with the University of Waterloo that will see the two sides focus on small modular and advanced reactors; additive manufacturing and advanced materials research; nuclear cogeneration and energy storage; infrastructure, lifecycle and operational assessment; and cyber security and safety.
They’ve also paired up with Western University to research imaging and radiopharmaceuticals; cybersecurity; high-performance computing and artificial intelligence; hydrogen; materials science and degradation; decommissioning and waste management; and advanced and small modular reactors, fuels and power grids.
CNL’s Vice President of Science and Technology, Dr. Jeff Griffin, says the two partnerships will support the professional development of the next generation of nuclear researchers and engineers, while AECL’s Vice President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight, Dr. Amy Gottschling , calls the deals a “bridge between foundational research and private industry services that rely on innovation to solve our nation’s greatest challenges.”
Reaction to the deals has been positive from the Universities as well. Dr. Dave Muir with Western University calls their deal with CNL “an exciting new partnership” that “builds on over 20 years of nuclear research” across muliple faculties.
Meanwhile, the University of Waterloo’s Charmaine Dean says their collaboration with the labs will “fuel innovation and advance training in key areas to Canada’s future.”
(written by Kasey Egan)