Ukrainian nuclear research institute specializing in irradiation materials science, reactor safety, and fusion research within European infrastructure networks.
The Institute for Nuclear Research (INR) is a core nuclear physics and materials science institution within Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, based in Kyiv. Their H2020 work focuses on two areas: structural materials behavior under irradiation for the safe long-term operation of nuclear power plants, and participation in pan-European research infrastructure networks (synchrotrons, neutron sources, particle physics facilities). They contribute experimental expertise in post-irradiation testing and materials ageing studies, and have been integrated into EU-Ukraine scientific collaboration frameworks supporting Ukrainian researchers' access to European facilities.
STRUMAT-LTO focused specifically on structural materials research for safe long-term operation of light water reactor nuclear power plants, including post-irradiation experiments and irradiation ageing studies.
EURIZON integrated INR into European research infrastructure networks covering synchrotrons, neutron sources, high-power lasers, and particle detectors.
EUROfusion involved INR as a third party contributing to the European fusion roadmap implementation over an 8-year period (2014-2022).
STRUMAT-LTO directly addresses safety and long-term operation challenges for existing nuclear power plant fleets, a critical concern for Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
INR's earliest H2020 involvement (2014) was through fusion energy research as a third party in the large EUROfusion programme, suggesting a foundational role in European nuclear physics networks. By 2020, their participation shifted toward two distinct directions: applied nuclear safety research (materials ageing for reactor life extension via STRUMAT-LTO) and broader integration into EU-Ukraine scientific collaboration frameworks (EURIZON), reflecting both deepening technical specialization and growing institutional ties with European research infrastructures.
INR is moving from peripheral participation in large physics programmes toward active partnership in applied nuclear safety research and structured EU-Ukraine scientific cooperation, making them an increasingly accessible collaboration partner for European nuclear research consortia.
INR operates exclusively as a participant or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for Ukrainian research institutions navigating EU framework programmes. However, their involvement spans consortia with 233 unique partners across 29 countries, indicating they are embedded in very large, well-connected European networks rather than working in isolation. This makes them a low-risk addition to large consortia where Ukrainian or Eastern European participation is needed.
Despite only 3 projects, INR connects to 233 unique partners across 29 countries — a consequence of participating in massive pan-European infrastructure programmes like EUROfusion and EURIZON. Their network is broad but indirect, built through large consortium membership rather than repeated bilateral partnerships.
INR is one of very few Ukrainian nuclear research institutes with established H2020 participation, giving them a bridge function between Ukrainian nuclear expertise and European research programmes. Ukraine operates 15 nuclear reactors and has direct operational experience with nuclear safety challenges, making INR's materials ageing and post-irradiation research grounded in real-world needs rather than purely academic interest. For consortium builders needing Ukrainian partners in nuclear or energy research, INR offers proven EU project experience and institutional credibility through NAS of Ukraine.
