The IAEA and Ontario Tech University have renewed their Collaborating Centre agreement for four more years, strengthening cooperation on advanced nuclear power development and introducing nuclear security-related topics to their joint work.
The new agreement expands the workplan to include information and computer security as well as artificial intelligence (AI) for nuclear security. Work on integrated energy systems with advanced nuclear power reactors, initiated under the previous agreement, will continue under the 2025-2029 arrangement.
“This redesignation is a testament to Ontario Tech University’s scientific and technical excellence at both the national and international level,” said Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy. “Ontario Tech has also played an important role in capacity building, including by training young professionals in these and other areas. I commend all involved for their proactive engagement and look forward to celebrating more achievements.”
Under the new agreement, concluded at IAEA headquarters on 23 October, Ontario Tech University will continue its work on small modular reactors (SMRs), hybrid energy systems that integrate nuclear power with renewables like solar and wind, and nuclear cogeneration. Cogeneration involves using power reactors both to produce electricity and to process heat for applications such as desalination and district heating.
Ontario Tech will also provide experts to support IAEA activities in computer security and AI for nuclear security, two areas with limited expertise. The university will develop training materials, publications and educational resources and host IAEA workshops and training courses to build capacity in these fields.
“Ontario Tech University will support IAEA-driven international cooperation efforts on topics related to information and computer security, as well as artificial intelligence for nuclear security,” said Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. “This expanded collaboration aims to strengthen the IAEA’s assistance to Member States, and specifically capacity building activities, addressing challenges linked to emerging technologies.”
Established in 2002, Ontario Tech University is a leader in clean energy research. Its facilities include the Brilliant Energy Institute and the Energy Research Centre, where nuclear power research is conducted, as well as the Wind and Geothermal Laboratory. The university is also preparing to deploy a subcritical assembly, a type of research reactor, to support applied nuclear engineering research and education. Once operational, it will be the only facility of its kind in Canada.
“Canada is proud to see Ontario Tech University’s designation as an IAEA Collaborating Centre renewed for another four years,” said Alison Grant, Canada’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna. “This partnership showcases Canadian excellence in science and innovation and strengthens our capacity to advance technologies for nuclear energy applications, along with nuclear safety and security, towards a climate-resilient future.”
“Ontario Tech University is delighted about the redesignation of the IAEA Collaborating Centre for another four years,” said Les Jacobs, Vice President of Research & Innovation at Ontario Tech University. “As Canada’s first Collaborating Centre, it has been an excellent opportunity for Ontario Tech to provide leadership to build bridges between the IAEA and the main pillars of the Canadian nuclear industry, including Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Nuclear, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, universities and the Government of Canada.”