Within the framework of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA), the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) under the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute coordinated with the Nuclear Safety Research Association and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), successfully organized the FNCA 2025 workshop on “Research Reactor Utilization Project”.
The workshop was held in a hybrid format from September 9 to 12, 2025 at the DNRI in Lam Dong Province. The event brought together 43 delegates from 11 FNCA member countries, including 21 international representatives attending in person, four participating virtually, and 18 Vietnamese delegates from DNRI. FNCA currently comprises 13 member states, with Vietnam having been an official member since 1996.
FNCA 2025
The Research Reactor Utilization Project has emerged as a central initiative within the FNCA, focusing on optimizing the use of existing research reactors while expanding their applications. Formed in 2017 through the merger of two earlier projects, the program leverages the versatility of research reactors for critical purposes such as neutron activation analysis, radioisotope production, nuclear medicine, and materials research.
At the opening session, Dr. Cao Dong Vu, the DNRI Director and Vietnam’s FNCA Coordinator, delivered the opening speech. He welcomed international delegates and emphasized the significance of Vietnam hosting this event, underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
Dr. Cao Dong Vu –DNRI Director and Vietnam’s FNCA Coordinator delivers the opening speech
Then, Dr. Tamada Masao, Japanese FNCA Coordinator, delivered an important speech, summarizing the outstanding achievements of the Research Reactor Utilization Project. He emphasized the remarkable results in the field of neutron activation analysis and its effective applications in the environmental and medical fields. Dr. Tamada also stressed the need to enhance professional capacity, foster human resource development, strengthen R&D activities, and broaden the involvement of application units. He called on delegates to work together in defining a specific roadmap for the project’s final year, ensuring its long-term relevance and sustainable growth.
Dr. Tamada Masao - Japanese FNCA Coordinator delivers a speech at the Workshop
During the thematic sessions, the workshop was divided into two groups for in-depth presentations and discussions. The first group highlighted neutron activation analysis and its applications in environmental protection, climate change response, and related areas. The second group focused on research reactor applications, including radioisotope production, material science, and updates on new reactor projects.
The sessions provided an important platform for members to review project progress, exchange experiences, and propose practical solutions to overcome challenges, with the aim of ensuring the successful completion of project objectives.
Group sessions
In the final day's plenary session, experts from DNRI and MEXT presented key thematic reports. The presentations focused on international nuclear cooperation and its contribution to Asian countries; the current status and utilization of the Dalat Nuclear Reactor; research and production of radioactive isotopes for medical purposes; research activities in nuclear physics using neutron beams and training. These reports provided a comprehensive overview of how international cooperation is helping to build human resources, strengthen research infrastructure, and expand nuclear applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The findings also reaffirmed the significant, practical contributions of the Dalat Nuclear Reactor to the advancement of nuclear science and technology in Vietnam.
Experts present at the Workshop
In his closing remarks, Dr. Tamada Masao expressed sincere appreciation to the DNRI for its thorough preparation and successful hosting of the workshop. He highlighted that the project’s positive outcomes have not only reinforced the close network of cooperation among member countries, but also demonstrated the scientists’ professionalism and unwavering commitment to the project.
Several pictures taken during the DNRI visit
Translation: Le Van Ngoc
Photos: Le Anh
Source: DNRI
Contrast 
