We have had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of fields

  • Improvement and optimization of methods used in environmental radiation monitoring
  • Improvement of methods used in internal dosimetry
  • Uncertainties in modelling atmospheric dispersion of radioactive contaminants
  • Development of new model and nuclear measuring procedure for determination of burnup history of nuclear fuels for safeguards and forensic analytical investigations
  • Cementitious matrix assessment for conditioning of boron-10 enriched boric acid as a new thermal neutron absorber in nuclear power plants
  • Environmental geochemical  study on metal elements in attic dust and urban soil from two former industrial cities, Salgótarján and Ózd (Hungary)
  • Elements of radiation protection design for protection against ionizing radiation generated by laser equipment
  • Development of nuclear forensics procedures for origin assessment of confiscated materials

The European Union (EU) supports the promotion of the effective nuclear safety and radiation protection culture, the safe management of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste, the establishment of efficient and effective safeguards for nuclear materials, and the implementation of the highest related standards in non-EU countries. These objectives are achieved through European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) and its Training & Tutoring (T&T) Initiative and Programme. 

The T&T Programme, implemented since January 2012, involves transferring knowledge, EU expertise and best practices for non-EU countries in need of technical assistance and provides training and education for staff of National Nuclear Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Technical Support Organisations (TSOs) to support capacity building. The NRAs, TSOs in the Beneficiary Countries and their employees are directly benefitting from the T&T Programme and eligible for financially supported participation in the training and tutoring provided. 

The goal of the project was the provision of training and tutoring aiming at transferring knowledge, experience and good practices for the employees, experts of the Beneficiary Countries’ NRA(s) and TSO(s) to strengthen their capabilities related to the different areas of regulatory responsibilities and functions necessary for the effective nuclear safety regulation.

Phase V of the T&T project has been launched in January 2022 and lasts for three years.

The international consortium led by the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research successfully prepared, organised and delivered 37 training courses and 23 on the job trainings in 19 topics, for more than 550 participants. 

https://training.ek-cer.hu

Education and training are of paramount importance both domestically and internationally, especially within the framework of the HUN-REN Energy Research Center, where knowledge sharing, ensuring the supply of new professionals, and expanding relationships are a common interest and responsibility.

This area plays a key role in the HUN-REN EK: we coordinate training programs that are implemented with the cooperation of domestic organizations and through unified collaborations. It is emperative that professionals receive continuous training in order to expand their knowledge and ensure that future generations are adequately prepared. 

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  • Theoretical fundamentals of Gamma-spectrometry
  • Design and operation of Gamma-spectrometry systems
  • Further applications of Gamma-spectrometry: nuclear materials, forensic analysis, practice with virtual sources
  • Practical problems

The HUN-REN EK is a designated IAEA Collaborating Centre for Nuclear Forensics since 2016. In the platform of this cooperation, the HUN-REN EK is providing different programme on nuclear forensics such as the Practical Introduction Training Course in order to support capacity building in the IAEA Member States all over the world.

The objective of the course is to enhance the awareness and understanding of the scope and application of nuclear forensic science. Discuss the role of a national response plan and how nuclear forensics can be applied in support of investigations and nuclear security vulnerability assessments. Describe and provide applied instruction on how to prepare a nuclear forensic analytical plan as part of the nuclear forensics model action plan and provide applied instruction and hands-on practical training on non-destructive and destructive analytical techniques relevant to a nuclear forensic examination.

Target audience scientists have experience in measurements of nuclear and other radioactive material, and/or traditional forensic examination, and analytical methods to include non-destructive analysis (e.g., gamma ray spectrometry) and/or destructive (e.g. mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, x-ray methods) analysis of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

In the framework of the training the following programs are provided:

  • Oral presentations on introduction to nuclear forensics, destructive and non-destructive techniques used for nuclear forensic examination
  • Table top exercise for establishment of the Nuclear Forensic Analytical Plan
  • Hands-on practical training in the areas:
    • Radiation search for evidence collection/in-field gamma-spectrometry
    • Physical characterization of nuclear materials, including using optical microscopy
    • Gamma-spectrometry
    • Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry
    • Destructive analytical technique: alpha spectrometry
    • RAMAN and XRF techniques
    • X-Ray Diffraction

The HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research actively supports the Hungarian Safeguards Support Programme (HUN SP) to the IAEA by organizing and hosting specialized training courses for nuclear professionals and inspectors.

Every year, we welcome participants from developing countries for a two-day hands-on program. One day is spent at the Research Reactor, and the next at the Nuclear Security Department, where participants explore destructive and non-destructive assay (DA and NDA) techniques such as ICP-MS, neutron, alpha, and gamma spectrometry.

We are also actively involved in dedicated trainings for IAEA safeguards inspectors, focusing on Additional Protocol exercises (Complementary Access). These practice-oriented sessions use real facility scenarios to strengthen inspectors’ ability to identify undeclared nuclear materials or activities.

In addition, we can organize professional safeguards-oriented visits to Hungarian nuclear facilities, including:

  • The Budapest Research Reactor
  • The ZR-6 reactor (a decommissioned zero reactor)

Participants can also engage in practical laboratory exercises utilizing various NDA methods. With our advanced expertise and equipment, we can determine:

  • Gamma-emitting radioactive isotope composition and activity
  • Uranium and Thorium isotopic composition and mass
  • Uranium age (time elapsed since last chemical separation) and assessment of reprocessed characteristics
  • Plutonium identification and isotopic composition

Alongside these key programs, the Nuclear Security Department offers a wide range of additional safeguards-related topics, including:

  • Nuclear fuel cycle and Hungary’s nuclear profile
  • National and international safeguards legislation
  • IAEA and Euratom safeguards systems
  • Implementation of the Additional Protocol
  • State System of Accounting for and Control of nuclear material (SSAC) in Hungary
  • Nuclear Material Accountancy and Control (NMAC) in the context of safeguards and security
  • Safeguards verification techniques
  • Containment and surveillance measures
  • NDA and DA techniques for nuclear safeguards
  • Safeguards culture
  • Export and import control of nuclear materials

These courses provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to meet today’s challenges in nuclear non-proliferation and security.

Based on the Governmental Decree 490/2015 (XII.30.) and a project outcome supported by the Ministry of Interior in 2017, nuclear forensic experts of the HUN-REN EK are supporting the National Bureau of Investigation in the case of radiological crime scene management, i.e. managing crime scenes where nuclear or other radioactive material can be or suspected to be presented. Following the Hungarian operating procedure, a combined expert team (HUN-REN EK and NBI) managing the evidence collection at radiological crime scenes, as well as the HUN-REN EK is providing the scientific support on radiation protection, radiation survey and collection, in-field measurements and transport of RN evidences.

Based on the experiences, the Nuclear Security Department of the HUN-REN EK is providing training on radiological crime scene management for law enforcement agencies on national and international level following the request of the National Police, IAEA, CEPOL and other international law enforcement organizations.

The aim of the training is to assist national agencies or other States seeking to build capacity to ensure safe, secure, effective and efficient operations at a crime scene where nuclear or other radioactive materials are known to be or are suspected to be present, in a way that maintains the integrity of the criminal investigation. 

The training program contains the following modules:

  • Radiation fundamentals
  • Demonstrate the appropriate procedures necessary to work in a crime scene with a radiological hazard
  • Protocols for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Radiation detection, survey and search
  • Procedures how to collect and preserve evidence from a radiological crime scene safely
  • Define roles and responsibilities of on-scene/ operational personnel involved in Radiological crime scene activities
  • Full-day, multi-scenario exercise at mock-up crime scenes
  • Analysis of traditional evidence contaminated with radionuclides in a glove box.

The Nuclear Security Department (NSD) of the HUN-REN EK, working in partnership with the different Hungarian authorities, including first responders and other law enforcement agencies (National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Counter Terrorism Centre, Disaster Management Directorate), and industry partners, such as the Gamma Ltd. or the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. In this cooperation the HUN-REN EK with the partners is providing—comprehensive training programme on national and international level in the field of radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

The NSD established a special nuclear security training facility for first responders and crime scene investigators (FOSTER). It provides wide range of training and exercise programme both on national and international level in the field of immediate response to a nuclear security event, radiological crime scene management, nuclear forensics, detection of material outside of regulatory control and CBRN-related events.

The trainings are designed for first responders—such as police, firefighters, EMTs, and disaster response teams—as well as decision-makers involved in emergency management, including risk specialists and nuclear emergency experts.

Trainings typically follows a hands-on format, combining practical exercises with lectures. The programs consist of a series of comprehensive, hands-on modules designed to enhance operational readiness in radiological and nuclear emergency situations. Key components include, for example, the following topics – though the content can be tailored to meet specific needs or expanded to cover additional areas upon request:

Radiation Detection and Surveying

  • Use of hand-held radiation detectors, Radiation detection at country borders
  • Conducting radiation surveys and search in various environments,
  • Virtual Radiation Source Simulation System for realistic scenario-based training, including dose measurements, hot spot identification, exposure assessment, spill mitigation, and decontamination.

Safety and Protective Measures

  • Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in radiological and nuclear settings,
  • Establishing and managing controlled zones (Hot, Warm, and Cold Zones).

Emergency Response Scenarios and high-stress decision-making simulations

  • Facility fire scenario, e.g., in an isotope storage area,
  • Emergency response protocols at nuclear power plant facilities,
  • Emergency response related to nuclear security events such as terror attacks used radiological dispersal device (RDD). This exercises focuses on tactical exercises involving the neutralization of threats, life-saving interventions under radiological conditions, triage, dry and wet decontamination.

Monitoring, Technology, and Crisis Management

  • Overview of early warning and radiation monitoring networks,
  • Deployment of special vehicles and mobile assets,
  • Utilization of a real-time simulation centre for crisis management training within an integrated synthetic environment.

Students of the environmental protection technician course successfully completed their professional training at the KFKI Campus. In the course of the two-week programme, students gained knowledge and experience of methods of environmental and emission control for radiation protection. They also participated in sampling, sample preparation, measurement and evaluation tasks.

The National Radon Program played a prominent role during the training, with students conducting indoor radon measurements at various institutions and family homes in and around Budapest. During the programme, they have also received insight into the objectives of the National Radon Action Plan and obtained practical experience in the use of modern active and passive measuring devices.

The students also visited several research institute departments, including the Radiochemistry and Environmental Physics Laboratory, where they were introduced to state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as spectroscopic methods, ion chromatography, and plasma optical emission spectrometry. As part of the practical training programme, students were provided with insight into the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the electricity system and current issues in energy storage. The training also covered energy and environmental issues.

The objective of the programme is to equip future environmental professionals with practical experience and real-world research opportunities, offering them direct insight into the intricate challenges of radiation protection, environmental safety and sustainable energy use. We are confident that the knowledge acquired will contribute to laying the foundations for students’ career choices and preparing the environmentally conscious professionals of the future.

"Bien organisée dans l'ensemble. Les formateurs étaient à la hauteur et les échanges étaient fructueux. Remerciements aux autorités Sud Africaines pour leur accueil et à l'union Européenne pour cette importante formation." (EU Acquis and Radiation Protection, regulation, licensing and enforcement, Johannesburg)
"This course was very informative and practical with exercises that directly apply the knowledge acquired. I look forward to participating in future courses as a build up of the knowledge acquired. Great appreciation to the Organizers and facilitators!" (Fundamentals of Safety Assessment, Pretoria)
"The seamless organization, from registration to the well-structured agenda, demonstrated a high level of professionalism. I am grateful for the invaluable learning experience and the establishment of a valuable professional network. Thank you for making this training program a resounding success. I look forward to applying the knowledge gained in my role." (Management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, Paris)
"Many thanks for Organizers for giving me an opportunity to participate for this very Important Training Course" (EU Acquis and Radiation Protection, regulation, licensing and enforcement, Johannesburg)
"Just commending the trainers of this course. It was really insightful and interactive. Great Job!" (Internal and external communication, public relations and crisis communication, Singapore)
"On behalf of our country, we would like to thank the host and the co-host institute in sharing their valuable support and technical expertise, these will not only benefit me professionally, but will also contribute to the success of the FDA in safeguarding public health and safety" (Regulation of radiation protection in medical applications, Budapest)
"The training course was well put together and I believe the experience and lessons I garnered will go a long way to support my career in my organisation, and my professional life in general. I am grateful for the opportunity." (Internal and external communication, public relations and crisis communication, Singapore)
"Everything was really perfect" (Safety Assessment of existing and new nuclear installations for external hazards, Hanoi)
"Overall, the training session was successful. I appreciate the hard work of the organizers and the experts in providing us this valuable insights and knowledge in managing spent fuel and radioactive waste." (Management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, Paris)
"The training was successful and indeed very informative." (EU Acquis and Radiation Protection, regulation, licensing and enforcement, Johannesburg)
"I would like to thank the organizers for holding the event in Hanoi." (Safety Assessment of existing and new nuclear installations for external hazards, Hanoi)
"Only thing I would like to express is the my deep gratitude to orginizers and lecturers" (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Paris)
"I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and trainers of the Management of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel training program. The dedication and effort invested in orchestrating such a comprehensive event were truly outstanding. The trainers' expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality content exceeded my expectations, providing valuable insights applicable to my work." (Management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, Paris)
"The organizers did excellence" (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Tallinn)
""I hope to participate in future trainings on computer Codes and Standards for Nuclear Safety assessments. I am most grateful to the Project consortium and the European Commission for supporting my participation in such knowledge filled workshops." (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Tallinn)
"This course has included quite comprehensive information about safety and licensing of SMRs. Especially, technical items and working group applications have given an unique chance to me to contribute my colleaques by giving feedback about this training course." (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Paris)
"Thanks to EU for sponsoring this training course." (Safety Assessment of existing and new nuclear installations for external hazards, Hanoi)
"As a suggestion, perhaps more time allotted was too limited. This training could be spread over two weeks" (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Istanbul)
"Appreciate all about the course. Thanks to EU." (Inspection of safety culture and quality assurance, Windhoek)
"Hopefully I can participate again in future and frankly speaking, I gained a lot of knowledge from this program. Thank you very much to the great trainer sent for us here." (EU Acquis and Radiation Protection, regulation, licensing and enforcement, Johannesburg)
"The current structure of the course is very effective to me" (Deterministic Safety Assessment, Lucca)
"Let the training be continuous. Plan for retraining and updates" (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Istanbul)
"Its an honour to have an opportunities to join this course." (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Istanbul)
"I send my graditute to EU for sponsoring this special training but also for the facilitators for the good work they did." (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Singapore)
"I am most grateful to the Project consortium and the European Commission for supporting my participation in such knowledge filled workshops." (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Tallinn)
"The course is extremely useful and the course delivery method is extensive and practical to enhance comprehension and reduce complex concepts to simpler and absorbable lessons. Nonetheless, I humbly recommend that the duration of the course be reconsidered. I propose 2 weeks, as some of the course lessons will have been more deeper, if there was some extra time."(Inspection of safety culture and quality assurance, Windhoek)
"I would suggest the organisers reconsider the training time and programme. I found that the tabletop exercises were amazing but we did not have time to finish them all." (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Singapore)
"What I liked the most during the training was the hands-on approach. Being able to directly apply what we learned in practical scenarios made the concepts really stick. Plus, it was a great way to engage with other participants." (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Singapore)
"on a lighter note, more champaign would have been appreaciated. but we understand. thank you Budapest for a lovely and informtive week. hope to we can host you as well in the future. RSA" (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Budapest)
"The strategy of the course delivery is excellent and thus ensures maximum transfer of knowledge and skills." (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Singapore)
"the course content , venue, resource persons and the practical aspects were all perfect. However, tutoring opportunities should be open for candidates that wants to have deeper knowledge in this field" (Inspection of I&C (instrumentation and control), safety systems and structure, Budapest)
"The time for training course should be increased for two weeks or more." (Inspecting of emergency preparedness, Amman)
"I just would like to thank all people from the EU side and also Brasilien side who tried to provide the participants with the best moments in any aspects." (Use of radioanalytical equipment for regulatory activities, Rio De Janeiro)
"The mix of lectures, presentations, case studies, tabletop exercises and rapporteur reports in my opinion, work well in the transfer of knowledge, as it helps learn from each other widely." (Internal and external communication, public relations and crisis communication, Singapore)
"Lecture material was presented in an accessible and effective manner" (Safety and Licensing of Small Modular Reactors, Paris)
"To extend the training course up to 10 days so that more topics can be included" (Regualtion of radiation protection in medical applications, Marrakesh)
"the course is well structured and very interactive" (Inspection of I&C, safety systems and structure, Budapest)
"i would like to extend my appreciation for participating in the course.it adds to existing pool of knowledge and i look forward to also sharing with colleagues and fellow professionals." (Inspection of safety culture and quality assurance, Budapest)
"A special version of this course with same facilitators could be specially designed for Senior Management only. This will greatly influence the change that is taught in this course."(Inspection of safety culture and quality assurance, Windhoek)
"I thank the INSC and all collaborating institutions for coming up with such program in a way of supporting developing countries. The appreciation cannot be expressed without joy. Thanks" (Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations, Budapest)
"Training was satisfactory and more training will be required especially in my field of Geology and Mining in terms of Radiation Protection." (Regulation of radiation protection in mining, including mining of fissile material, Windhoek)
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire NUBIKI family and especially my tutors, Mr Gábor Lajtha, Mr Gábor L. Horváth, Mr Pál Kostka, Mr András Nemes and Mr Zsolt Téchy for their invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout this tutoring course. Their expertise and support played a significant role in shaping my professional growth and development during this period. I am truly grateful for their continuous guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Centre for Energy Research for its hospitality and for leading this tutoring course and to the European Union for funding me." (Deterministic Safety Assessment, Budapest)
"I will want to take this opportunity to thank everyone connected to the tutoring course for a well organised programme. I will be eager to attend another course under the project to acquire more knowledge in other fields." (EU Acquis, Regulation and Regulatory Oversight of Radiation Protection, Budapest)
"Thank you so much for your effort and we are appreciate it. All the information are useful for us to improvise our regulation on Radiation Protection." (Regulation of radiation protection in medical applications, Kuala Lumpur)
"Everything was great and outstanding event. Hope i will have chance to join this kind of program again in future, especially in Budapest!" (EU Acquis and Radiation Protection, regulation, licensing and enforcement, Johannesburg)