In the world of the energy industry and critical infrastructure, laboratories are increasingly becoming the birthplace of technologies of strategic importance. Representatives from the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and PERN S.A. discussed how science can support business at the National Centre for Nuclear Research. The programme for the visit included, amongst other things, presentations on research infrastructure and discussions on the potential for cooperation between the scientific and industrial sectors.

The guests were welcomed by the director of the NCBJ, Prof. Jakub Kupecki, who outlined the Center’s research and development potential and the importance of cooperation between research institutions and companies responsible for the development and security of industrial infrastructure. The meeting was also attended by, Daniel Świętochowski, President of the Management Board of PERN S.A., and Piotr Gryska, Vice President of the Management Board of PERN S.A.

The visit’s program included a presentation of selected areas of NCBJ’s activities and the infrastructure used in research and implementation projects. The meeting participants listened to a lecture on the construction and applications of the MARIA Reactor — the only operational research reactor in Poland, used for the production of radioisotopes, materials research, and research for modern technologies.

The PERN S.A. delegation also had the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the reactor facility using VR technology, which allowed for a modern presentation of the research infrastructure. Later in the visit, the guests learned about the activities of the Department of Nuclear Equipment and visited the Materials Research Laboratory, where the capabilities for conducting advanced analyses and research for industry were presented.

The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange experiences in the field of modern technologies, the development of research laboratories, and potential avenues for cooperation between the scientific sector and companies responsible for the development of strategic infrastructure.