Report on the 2015 Forum for Research Exchange and Presentations by the Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors

On June 3, the 2015 Forum for Research Exchange and Presentations was held on Ookayama Campus by the Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, Tokyo Tech.

Currently, according to mid-term goals and plans for the second period, the Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors (RLNR) is organizationally promoting the four priority research fields, as well as basic and fundamental technical fields which support the priority research fields. Furthermore, following the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the RLNR has actively contributed to projects for the reconstruction of Fukushima. For example, the laboratory has conducted research and development for decontamination technology. From last year, in order to further promote joint research with other universities and research institutions, the RLNR started the Joint-Usage/Joint-Research Program for research resources such as experimental equipment, software and databases. The RLNR is working to develop a new research system which will broadly respond to the needs of academia, industry and society.

The recent Forum for Research Exchange and Presentations featured announcements regarding research results realized as part of last year's Joint-Usage/Joint-Research Program, and presentations for research activities of each laboratory in the RLNR. A total of 61 people attended the forum, including attendees from outside our university.

Director Yano gives the opening address

To start the forum, Director Toyohiko Yano gave an opening address and reported on recent conditions at the RLNR. Next, during Part 1 of the forum, the mission research which is representative of the RLNR was introduced. Professor Kenji Takeshita of the Mass Transmutation Engineering Division gave a presentation entitled "Advanced Waste Processing and Volume Reduction Technology for Ending the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident." Next, Professor Toru Obara of the Mass Transmutation Engineering Division spoke on the theme of "Innovative Nuclear Energy System for Contributing to the Solution of Energy, Resource and Environmental Issues." Each of the presentations discussed response to urgent issues concerning nuclear power and the role of nuclear power in the future long-term existence of mankind.

After a short break, Part 2 of the forum started. Presentations were given by two guest lecturers who are involved in joint research outside of Tokyo Tech through the Joint-Usage/Joint-Research Program. Assistant Professor Masanori Someya at the School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, delivered a lecture entitled "The Outlook for Predicting Radiosensitivity and Cancer Susceptibility Based on the Molecular Mechanism for DNA Repair." The lecture theme was related to the occurrence and treatment of cancer, a topic which is of particular interest among Japanese citizens, and a lively Q&A session was held with the audience. Next, researcher Toshihiko Inoue of the Oarai Research & Development Center of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency gave a presentation entitled "Post-Irradiation Test for the Control Rod Absorbent Material B4C." In response to this presentation, high-level expert discussion was held from the viewpoint of materials development which is essential for the future growth of nuclear power technology, including the development of fast reactors.

Part 3 began after presentations had been completed. RLNR researchers held a poster session regarding Joint-Usage/Joint-Research themes and research activities at laboratories in the RLNR. There was a lively exchange of opinions which included researchers from outside Tokyo Tech. A total of 27 posters were presented. Finally, the session moved on to an information exchange meeting. Overall, the forum was a great success.

Q&A time during the poster session