The mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is helping to improve the operation of the MARIA reactor

On October 10–14, 2022, an international group of IAEA specialists under the OMARR (Operation and Maintenance Assessment for Research Reactors) mission carried out a review aimed at increasing the efficiency of the MARIA reactor operation and maintenance program.

The mission was focused on the areas related to the integrated management program and the quality assurance system, verification of technological processes and the aging process management program. On the basis of the information obtained during the revision of these areas, a detailed report was prepared, identifying recommendations, suggestions, and also good operating practices of the MARIA reactor. This will allow to increase the efficiency and availability of the MARIA reactor both in the area of ​​the production of radiopharmaceuticals used in the treatment of oncological patients, as well as the use of neutrons generated in it for Polish and world science.

This is another IAEA mission in the MARIA reactor. In 2017, it was visited by the INSARR mission (Integrated Safety Assessment of Research Reactors), which allowed to further improve the safety of its work. An Integrated Research Reactor Utilization Review (IRRUR) mission to help develop and evaluate integrated research reactor utilization plans is also planned. The analyzes carried out during all these missions help to operate the reactor even more efficiently.

MARIA is the only Polish research reactor used for the production of radiopharmaceuticals and for scientific applications. During her week’s work, 100,000 patients are provided with diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The MARIA reactor, provided that adequate funds for operation and modernization are provided, can operate for at least another 30 years.