The nuclear industry has from its inception recognized the important role of fast reactors and related fuel cycles in ensuring the long-term sustainability of nuclear power. Fast reactors operated in a closed fuel cycle help to improve the utilization of resources — both fissile and fertile materials — used in nuclear fuels and contribute to a significant reduction of the burden of?generated radioactive waste.

The International Conference on Fast Reactors and Related Fuel Cycles: Next Generation Nuclear Systems for Sustainable Development (FR17), hosted by the Government of the Russian Federation through State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM, provides a forum to exchange information on national and international programmes as well as new developments and experiences. The 26-29 June gathering in Yekaterinburg is the third such international conference after previous editions in Kyoto, Japan (2009), and Paris, France (2013).