Nuclear science

Overview

The goal of the NEA in this area is to help member countries identify, collate, develop and disseminate basic scientific and technical knowledge required to ensure safe, reliable and economic operation of current nuclear systems and to develop next-generation technologies.

Objectives

To help advance the existing scientific knowledge needed to enhance the performance and safety of current nuclear systems;
To contribute to building a solid scientific and technical basis for the development of future-generation nuclear systems;
To support the preservation of essential knowledge in the field of nuclear science.

Programme of work

The NEA nuclear science programme is developed and executed by the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC), comprising high-level scientific experts from all NEA member countries. The secretarial support to the NSC is provided by the Division of Nuclear Science. Close co-operation with the Data Bank is maintained, primarily because of the potential for mutual benefit to be gained between the programme of work of the Data Bank and the type of activities pursued within the nuclear science programme. The main areas of work are: