Supporting Federal Priorities

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is responsible for the management and oversight of the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan and engages with the various federal departments and agencies to develop a program of work that meets their needs and priorities and to oversee the delivery of the work to bring value for money for Canada.

The program of work in the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan is governed by an Interdepartmental Steering Committee, an Interdepartmental Integration Committee, and five Research Theme Sub-Committees (Sub-committees) with AECL as the program administrator and oversight organization.

Delivery of much of the FNST Work Plan leverages the vast experience and expertise at the Chalk River Laboratories – Canada’s largest science and technology complex – to contribute to the government’s health, science, innovation and climate change objectives.

Examples:

Research to support the potential development of small modular reactors in Canada.
Small modular reactors are meant to be smaller, simpler and safer. They could potentially provide low-carbon energy to the mining and gas industry and remote communities, or be used in existing electrified areas to help meet increased electricity demand (due in part to the rise of electric vehicles). As a non-greenhouse gas emitting source of energy, small modular reactors could help Canada meet its commitments to reducing its carbon footprint.

Research on alpha-emitting isotopes for health applications.
Alpha-emitting isotopes are a promising new area for cancer treatment, whereby we could more effectively fight cancer and other diseases by targeting treatments directly to tumors and limiting the damage to surrounding areas of the body.

Protecting industrial control systems used in nuclear power plants and other critical energy infrastructure from cyber-security risks and threats.
This includes developing an anomalous detection software for monitoring, detecting and mitigating cyber-intrusion and cyber-physical security events in complex real-time systems and associated communication networks.

Advancing capability in nuclear detection, forensics and response
For example, technologies and methodologies to help detect illicit (illegal) nuclear materials.

Work in materials degradation for existing and next-generation reactors in Canada to inform regulation.
By better understanding the behavior of materials, particularly materials exposed to high levels of radiation inside nuclear reactors, we can provide risk-informed, science-based evidence, for regulatory decision making so reactors continue to operate safely.

Research to support the understanding of the effects of radiation on the environment.
Improving the understanding of the migration of radioisotopes in the environment, and their potential impacts on human health and non-human biota.