Germany’s NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland’s largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in nuclear safety, science and technology.
The agreement was formally signed by Professor Dr Andreas Pautz, Head of the PSI Centre for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences (NES), Dr Marco Streit, Head of PSI/NES Hot Laboratory, and Nobuaki Ninomiya, Executive Officer and Managing Director of NUKEM.
The MOU establishes a general framework for cooperation in key areas including:
- Scientific expertise and studies: PSI will provide scientific support such as feasibility studies, technical assessments, and analyses related to reactor safety, nuclear fuel, waste treatment, and decommissioning.
- Testing and experimental support: PSI will perform specific laboratory or pilot-scale tests on behalf and jointly with NUKEM.
- Student exchanges and training: NUKEM will offer PSI students, doctoral candidates, and interns practical opportunities to gain industrial experience in applied nuclear engineering projects.
This three-year agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort that will accelerate research, technology development, and knowledge exchange across borders.
“With the new partnership with the Paul Scherrer Institute, collaboration in nuclear science and technology across Switzerland, Germany, and Japan will be significantly strengthened, said Nobuaki Ninomiya. “This framework will foster innovation in nuclear research, enhance safety standards, and support the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Dr Andreas Pautz stated: “The collaboration between PSI and NUKEM unites cutting-edge research with highly trusted engineering expertise to sustain Europe’s nuclear excellence and drive breakthroughs in ultra-safe fuel and reactor technologies.”
Japan’s Muroosystems acquired NUKEM in 2024.
