Report of
FNCA 2018 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project

FY2018 FNCA Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization (RRU) project was held from October 22 to 25, 2018, in Tsuruga and Osaka, Japan. This Workshop was hosted by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

The Workshop was attended by 41 participants from 12 FNCA member countries, namely Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, including workshop staffs.

[Open Seminar]
The first day (Oct. 22) was allocated to the FNCA Open Seminar on Research Reactor Utilization (RRU) Project at the Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center. After the opening remarks by Dr. Taro Ide (MEXT) and Mr. Mitsuyuki Tatsuta (Fukui Prefectural Government), 6 keynote speeches were presented by Dr. Taro Ide, Mr. Tomoaki Wada, Prof. Tsutomu Ohtsuki (Japan), Dr. John Bennett (Australia), Dr. Rohadi Awaludin (Indonesia) and Dr. Ho Manh Dung (Vietnam).

[Workshop]
The first half of the second day (Oct. 23) was allocated to plenary session. The opening remarks by Dr. Hideki Namba, FNCA advisor of Japan, was delivered. The individual project leaders of Japan, Prof. Tsutomu Ohtsuki and Prof. Mitsuru Ebihara, overviewed the current projects of RRU and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and referred to several major issues of the workshop. The lead speech on BNCT was delivered by Dr. Hiroki Tanaka.

Then, in the parallel sessions of RRU, firstly Neutron Radiography (NR) and Material Research were presented by individual participating countries, and secondly the current status of RI production and applications in each country were discussed. In the NAA sessions, each country presented the progress on the activities related to air pollution and mineral resources, then discussed a number of topics including linkages with end-users. On the fourth day (Oct. 25), the detailed contents were summarized in each of the two groups, RRU and NAA.

[Technical Visit]
On Oct. 23 participants of FNCA workshop visited Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University (KURNS), including Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR), the hot laboratory and the particle radiation oncology research center.

Summary of
FNCA 2018 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project

Preface
The Research Reactor Utilization (RRU) project workshop was held over four days at the Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center (WERC) and Kanku Joytel Hotel, Japan.
The first day (Oct. 22) was allocated to the Open Seminar at WERC. The first half of the second day (Oct. 23) was allocated to plenary session, the individual project leaders of Japan overviewed the current projects of RRU and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and referred to several major issues of the workshop, and BNCT was reported. From the afternoon of the second day to the third day (Oct. 24), the parallel sessions were held. In the RRU sessions, Neutron Radiography (NR), Material Research and RI production and applications were presented sequentially by individual participating countries. In the NAA sessions, each country presented the progress on the activities related to air pollution and mineral resources, then discussed a number of topics including linkages with end-users. On the fourth day (Oct. 25), the detailed contents were summarized in each of the two groups, RRU and NAA.
The technical visit to Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University (KURNS) was held on Oct. 23.

[Plenary session]
Introduction to KURNS BNCT -Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
At Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science (KURNS), more than 500 patients have been treated by Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) using Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR) up to the present. The effectiveness of BNCT for treating not only malignant melanoma and brain tumor but also head and neck tumor, malignant mesothelioma, and liver cancer has been demonstrated. We continue the BNCT treatment using KUR. However, it is difficult to stably provide a treatment beam because research nuclear reactors are difficult to install near hospitals and also availability during shut down period due to periodic inspection is long. Therefore, realization of an accelerator-based neutron source for BNCT has been desired.
In order to realize the actual machine of the accelerator BNCT, it is necessary to consider the thermal load of the target, blistering of the target, activation and moderator. We and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd started the research collaboration to develop accelerator-based neutron source and proposed an epithermal neutron source combining 30 MeV, 1 mA protons and beryllium target as a method that can overcome target blistering and obtain the epithermal neutron intensity necessary for the treatment. In this talk, the current status of BNCT using KUR, and overview of cyclotron-based neutron source developed by KURNS were introduced.

[Parallel session (RRU)]
RRU-1: Neutron radiography (NR)
Lead speech "Neutron Radiography at KUR" (Prof. Saito, Japan)
Several neutron radiography/imaging facilities have been installed at various neutron sources in Japan. In this presentation, the present status of such facilities and their activities are briefly introduced. RADEN (BL22) has been constructed at J-PARC especially for an energy selective neutron imaging in 2014. Two neutron radiography ports using thermal and cold neutrons (TNRF, CNRF) will be upgraded for the restart of JRR-3 in 2020. Two imaging ports (B4, E2) of Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR) are being utilized for thermal hydraulic, concrete, and archeology studies. Various applications and present strategy of neutron radiography/imaging at research reactors were introduced and discussed.

Australia
Neutron radiography/tomography/imaging station called 'Dingo' commenced operation since October 2014. The major areas of use are: Defence, Industrial, Cultural heritage and Archaeology applications, Neutron imaging or tomography creates a whole series of three-dimensional images of an object that can be reconstructed. ANSTO encourage partnerships and collaborates both nationally and internationally.

Bangladesh
The current experimental facilities of neutron radiography in Bangladesh were presented. It was reported that archeological samples are prime target samples at this moment. The existing collimator system of the neutron radiography will be upgraded in next 2 years to have better quality image using digital neutron radiography system.

China
China Advanced Research Reactor (CARR) is a higher performance and multipurpose reactor in CIAE. Many studies have been performed such as non-destructive testing (NDT) of nuclear fuel rod, two-phase flow, fuel cell, rock and concrete etc. using neutron radiography at CARR. In the near future advanced NR facilities will provide more powerful tools for extensive utilisations in different disciplines and stimulate the progress of NDT techniques in China.

Indonesia
The G.A. Siwabessy reactor is equipped with radiography facility. The facility is used for several experiments and some results have been produced and published. For examples, there are publications on visualization of boiling phenomenon and preliminary investigation on visualization of oscillating heat pipe. Static and dynamic images can be obtained using radiography facility of BATAN. BATAN encourage collaborations with other institutions for using the facility.

Kazakhstan
The Institute of Nuclear Physics started the construction of new neutron radiography and tomography facility at WWR-K research reactor since 2017. The project is implementing in cooperation with Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Russia). The facility is expected to be operational in end of 2019.

Malaysia
Neutron radiography is a Non-Destructive Technique that can be used to obtain an image of materials. Neutron radiography facility (NuR-2) in Malaysian Nuclear Agency is located at radial beam port of the 1MW Research Reactor TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP). Neutron radiography is used in material characterization study on Cultural heritage signature / authentication and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for industry.

Thailand
Thai research reactor (TRR-1/M1) was using the neutron radiography since 1966. Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) is upgrading the radiography facility for 3D imaging capability following the project performance evaluation. The facility will be useful for handling, for instance, archaeological and biological samples. The facility upgrade is expected to be completed within next 2 years.

RRU-2: Material research
Lead speech "Positron annihilation studies for defects using a reactor-based slow positron beam" (Prof. Kinomura, Japan)
Positron annihilation spectroscopy is sensitive to atomic-scale vacancy-type defects below detection limits of electron microscopy. When energy-variable positron beams (i.e., slow positron beams) are used, it is possible to get depth information of defects by changing positron energy. It can be a powerful tool to investigate vacancy-type defects or voids in near-surface layers and thin films. In Kyoto University, a slow positron beam using a research reactor is currently under development. In this talk, the detail of the beamline was introduced together with some applications of slow positron beams.

Australia
ANSTO possesses multiple material research facilities. The major facilities include, a) OPAL multipurpose reactor, b) Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, c) Australian Synchrotron, d) Centre for Accelerator Science, e) National Deuteration Facility, f) National Research Cyclotron. The areas of use are: Food science, Energy materials, Cultural Heritage, Defence, Planetary material, Environmental sustainability, Industrial and many more. ANSTO encourage partnerships and collaborates both nationally and internationally.

Bangladesh
The high resolution Neutron Powder Diffractometer (NPD) installed at BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor (BTRR) is using to study the crystal and magnetic structural properties of different materials. The NPD facility is contributing to manpower development by giving opportunity to research as well as academic degree for the university students and researchers.

China
Annular fuel as a new fuel type can enhance both the economics and safety performances. The R&D of annular fuel is performing in China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). In-pile test has been carried out at the Swimming Pool Research Reactor (SPRR) at CIAE, and Irradiation of LTAs in commercial NPPs will be started from 2021.

Indonesia
The G.A. siwabessy reactor is equipped with several facilities for material testing research. Neutron diffractometer and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) facilities are used for structural analysis. Several facility developments are carrying out including development of data acquisition and measurement software for neutron triple axis spectrometer.

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan operates three research reactors which will be good tools for material testing under neutron field. Research relate to sustainable development of atomic energy. Kazakhstan is planning to perform research on material using the fusion reactors and GEN-IV reactors in the future.

Malaysia
Material Research in Malaysian Nuclear Agency is divided into various activities e.g. corrosion study and protection, mineral and thorium processing, functional and nano materials and radiation damage analysis by neutron beam applications. Malaysian Nuclear Agency also offers services for universities and other institutions to do some researches on Materials characterization and processing (corrosion, metallurgy, ceramic), Training and Consultation.

RRU-3: Medical / industrial RI production
Australia
ANSTO manufacture and supply radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemicals to public & private Nuclear Medicine Centres in Australia and export to a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. ⁹⁹Mo is export to several countries with current capacity 2,300Ci (6 day) and to be increased in the future to 3,500Ci (6 day) using the new facility which is in final stage of process validation. A number of other radioisotopes [¹⁷⁷Lu (carrier free), ¹³¹I, ¹⁵³Sm, ⁵¹Cr, ⁹⁰Y and ¹⁹²Ir] are producing at ANSTO for domestic supply and also for export.

Indonesia
The G.A. Siwabessy reactor of BATAN is used for radioisotope production. There are two irradiation positions in the reactor core that used for radioisotope production: Central Irradiation Position (CIP) and Irradiation Position (IP) with neutron flux in the order of 10¹⁴ n.cm^-2s^-1. At present the reactor is used for producing many kinds of radioisotopes [¹⁵³Sm, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ³²P, ⁹⁹Mo, ¹³¹I, ¹⁹⁸Au and ¹⁹²Ir].

Japan
The RI production such as ¹⁹²Ir which had been produced at JRR-3 is currently dependent on import from overseas. The production technology and handling of radioisotopes is also less frequently used which is affecting human resource development. It is expected that acquisition of installation change permission will be obtained. In the future, we will conduct earthquake-resistant reinforcement works for nuclear reactor buildings and plan to resume operation in 2020.

Kazakhstan
The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Republic of Kazakhstan is producing the radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications [⁹⁹Mo, ^99mTc generator, ¹⁹²Ir and other isotopes]. Till end of 2017, radioisotopes for medical applications did not produce because of carrying out the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification. The GMP certificate will be received end of 2018. Production of radioisotopes for industrial applications continues.

Korea
The HANARO reactor is still shut down since 2014 due to safety issues. However, the research of new isotopes and their application is steadily progressing. Current research topics are the development of fission ⁹⁹Mo production process at new dedicated isotopes reactor, Kijang Research Reactor (KJRR) and the development of the production technologies for new radioisotopes such as therapeutic emitters, ¹⁴C. Additionally, the study of radioisotope battery for space mission is ongoing.

Malaysia
^99mTc generator production facility will be refurbished and upgraded for fulfilling the GMP compliance. Malaysian Nuclear Agency is producing ¹³¹I capsule, currently doing documentation on active run and product validation for GMP approval. ¹⁹²Ir for industrial purposes has been assembled in Nuclear Malaysia for local use. Currently, Malaysia is developing a new radioisotope, ¹⁵³Sm labelled with EDTMP for bone palliative treatment using 1MW Research Reactor TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP).

Mongolia
The Research Reactor (RR) project for Mongolia had been discussed internally for several years. Utilization of RR, the design study and fuel comparison analyses were conducted. The proposed RR is to be utilized for Radioisotope (RI) production (⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc by activation method), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), education and training, nuclear physics and other commercial services.

The Philippines
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute's ^99mTc Generator production facility has secured a supplier of ⁹⁹Mo and a business partner for the commercialization of its ^99mTc generators. Starting January 2019, ^99mTc Generators will be produced for market distribution. The production will satisfy 30% of the local weekly demand of 15 Ci.

Thailand
Thailand produces ¹⁵³Sm till July 2018 after receiving a nuclear operator license from the regulator. Other medical / industrial radioisotopes are 100% imported to meet Thailand demand. A new cyclotron project started construction and will be finished in 2021 to produce new isotopes.

Vietnam
Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) is routinely utilized to produce radioisotopes for medical (¹³¹I, ^99mTc, ⁵¹Cr, ³²P) and industrial (¹⁹²Ir, ⁶⁰Co) uses. Supply radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals in the country were shown in the talk. Currently, DNRI is capable to supply radioisotopes with 40-50% market share. In future, RI's [¹⁵³Sm, ¹⁷⁷Lu and ⁹⁰Y microsphere] for therapeutic and research purpose will be introduced to the market.

RRU-4: General Discussion
1) BNCT
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a unique method for the radiotherapy in particle radiation oncology. This feature makes BNCT possible to treat for patients suffering from malignant tumors. More than 500 patients have been treated for not only malignant melanoma and brain tumor but also head and neck tumor etc. by BNCT using Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR) up to date. BNCT treatment is still desired using research reactors in Asian countries. It is needed for the treatment that neutron beam is stably provided by research reactors, however, Periodic shut down for inspection can be obstacle in the reactor-based BNCT, therefore, realization of the accelerator-based BNCT can be developed. We discussed the present and future status in BNCT.

2) Neutron radiography (NR)
Among the 8 countries among 12 members, have presented their current activities and future plans to enhance neutron radiography (NR) activities. It is interesting to note that several countries reported their experimental facilities and research activities, e.g., nondestructive imaging research of different samples in such archeological samples like ancient jar and sculpture of Buddha, imaging techniques for fuel cell dynamic and nuclear materials study, fluid dynamics of motor engine and boiling phenomena etc. At the end, the issues like benefits for countries and like possibility for setting common sample target in future were discussed.

3) Material research
In lead speech, a slow positron beam using a research reactor is currently under development, the detail of the beamline together with some applications introduced and discussed. It should be noted that the in situ experimental study using neutron power diffraction, the high resolution diffractometer (NPD) to study crystal and magnetic structural properties, the annular fuel as a new fuel type for economics and safety, analyzing material structures by using Neutron diffractometer, fuels with world collaboration, corrosion and nano functional materials were presented by several countries. Finally, the future R&D program in material science was discussed between membered countries.

4) Medical / industrial RI production
Members from 10 countries were presented reports concerning current status of the medical and industrial RIs production in their country. In Australia and some countries, RIs are available for domestic demand. Although, both reactors JRR-3 of Japan and HANARO of Korea are expected to resume their operation soon. During this time, Japan and Korea are importing RIs from other countries. New RIs such as ¹⁷⁷Lu, ¹⁵³Sm and ²²⁵Ac for diagnosis and treatment were discussed, further possibility of accelerators like cyclotron for production of RIs was discussed in the workshop.

RRU-5: Future plan of the RRU Group and as Conclusions
The RRU projects has 8 themes, then, we should discuss a wide variety of topics. We could consider holding the RRU meeting in these 3 years. Therefore, persons more expected can be invited to participate. The advantage of having this workshop every year is to discuss new themes in the RRU for having network.

• Nuclear Activation Analysis (NAA)
• Isotope Production including new isotopes
• Neutron Scattering
• Nuclear Science
• BNCT, NR
• Material Research
• New Research Reactor
• Human Resource Development

The participants from member's countries should discuss several topics, and chose topics of Nuclear Science for next year's workshop in Kazakhstan.

[Parallel session (NAA)]
NAA-1: Activities related to air pollution and mineral resources
The new phase (Phase 5) began in 2015, starting with two sub-projects, namely air pollution and mineral resources. In the air pollution project, suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples, especially so-called PM2.5, are being collected in participating countries and the air pollution level at those sites is being monitored by analyzing these SPM samples by NAA and other methods. In the mineral resources project, minerals containing useful elements such as rare earth elements (REEs) and U are being analyzed by NAA and other methods, demonstrating the effectiveness and utilization of NAA in evaluating the quality of mineral resources.
For the preparation of country reports, the Japanese project leader asked participants to include the following topics in their presentations:

1. Evaluation of progress for the last 12 months period in comparison with the initial plan.
2. Difficulties and how those may have been overcome.
3. Outstanding outcomes for the project(s).
4. Efforts for strengthening linkages with end-users and any projects developed with end-users.

1) Air pollution
Australia
No samples were provided for analysis so there was no progress in this period. Instead, the focus was on the second activity, Mineral Resources.

Bangladesh
The NAA laboratory of Bangladesh has no facility for SPM sample collection. Instead, five SPM samples were collected from Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka, and analyzed by NAA. Ten elements (V, Al, Mn, As, Sb, Na, K, Sc, Fe and Zn) were determined in the samples.

China
In 2018, the NAA facilities at CARR were upgraded. The NAA system at CARR includes INAA, PGAA, NDP, PGAI, DNC. Some airborne particulate matter (APM) samples were analyzed by the PGAA method. APM samples, including PM2.5 and PM10, were collected in Beijing twice a week in this year and analyzed to get the features of elements. NAA is a very important analytical method in atmosphere management in China. NAA was adopted in several national programs, including National Key Research & Development Program (NRDP), a national research program for key issues in air pollution control.

Indonesia
Collection and analysis of APM sample have been has continued. APM samples were collected using a Gent Stacked air sampler for 24 hours sampling time. Elemental analysis was carried out using a combination of XRF and INAA. The elemental distribution in the PM2.5 fraction was obtained and presented in this workshop. The time series of PM2.5 and PM10 for the Bandung and Lembang sampling sites have been compared. Nuclear analytical techniques have been used for the analysis of samples from at 14 Environmental Protection Agency offices.

Korea
There was no activity in this period so the focus was on the second activity, Mineral Resources.

Malaysia
Malaysia has continued to sample for 24 hours twice a week to collect two fractions (<2.5 μm and 10-2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter particles) on 47mm polycarbonate filters at the same sampling site, Malaysia Nuclear Agency, Bangi. All samples collected up to 2015 have been analyzed for their elemental content by PIXE and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). For samples collected in 2016-2017, a combination of three analytical techniques were used for their analysis: NAA, ICP-MS and Ion Chromatography.

Mongolia
From June 2017 - August 2018, the average mass of APM for PM2.5 was 116.1 μg/m³ and for PM10-2.5 was 249.1 μg/m³, being 4 to 5 times higher than the Mongolian air quality standard. In another environmental project, the concentrations of 40 elements were determined from collected moss samples using INAA. The 2016 levels were considerably higher than those in 2005, except for U, W, Sm and Ce. In particular, the concentrations of Cl and Hg were 32 and 63 times higher, respectively.

The Philippines
SPM sampling is still being continued in Metro Manila and in Boracay Island. Most filters collected from these sites were analyzed by EDXRF. It is hoped to use NAA through collaboration with other members. Activities involving source apportionment of air pollution sources were also being carried out. Strong linkages with end-users and continued collaborative projects are being made with local government units and universities.

Vietnam
A national or IAEA/RCA project on "Air quality and environmental impact assessment of Vinh Tan coal-fired power plants" has been planned and proposed for the next year. A collaborative project on air pollution studies in Hanoi using k₀-INAA and PIXE has been carried out. The analytical results of PM2.5 and PM10 collected at Ho Chi Minh City in 2015-2017 using k₀-NAA will be interpreted next year.

2) Mineral resources
Australia
Engagement with the Australian mining and minerals industry remains a focus of NAA activities, making use of the particular advantages of NAA over other methods. There are continuing contracts with two companies, one using NAA to confirm the homogeneity of gold in minerals reference materials and the other using NAA to determine the levels of chlorine and key elements in mineral processing products. A recent commercial opportunity has been identified for the use of NAA to measure platinum group elements after fire assay pre-concentration.

Bangladesh
Sand from Kuakata sea beach was analyzed and monazite heavy minerals have been identified. In the last 12 months we have participated in one inter-comparison exercise and have analyzed sediment samples from four rivers of Bangladesh by NAA. Major, minor and REEs were determined in these sediment samples. We have increased the engagement of the laboratory in the field of academic research, service, internal and external collaborations and linkage with end users.

Indonesia
There was no activity in REE because no sample was distributed through the FNCA. It remains the case that fission correction in samples with a high U content cannot be carried out due to unavailability of a U standard and government regulations relating to reactor irradiations.

Kazakhstan
Because of sharp reduction of grant financing of geological and technological fields by the RK Ministry of Education and Science in 2018, our research institute partners didn't win the projects they relayed on. Nevertheless, cooperation with the partners continued within several new projects including INAA analysis of black shale for gold and accompanying elements, analysis of reprocessing products of phosphorous production wastes for rare earths. State support of comparator INAA development in the Institute of Nuclear Physics started from this year within a special-purpose grant.

Korea
A study of the development of geological reference materials using XRF was presented. Also, NAA facilities in the Jordan Research and Training Reactor were introduced briefly. Finally, current NAA projects and samples waiting for NAA were summarized.

Malaysia
We continue provided analytical services activity (internal and external) especially to the Regulatory body (AELB), consultants for radiation safety and company/mineral processing industry in order to support the regulatory body in enforcement activities, especially related to radioactive minerals.

Thailand
In 2016-2018, Thai Research Reactor (TRR-1/M1) was completely renovated of the control and ventilation systems. At the present, the TRIGA Mark III 1.2 MW research reactor has just been back to normal operation. For rare-earth element (REE) distribution in Thailand, we have collaborated with Department of Mineral Resources. Since the last FNCA workshop, we have got only little additional data.

Vietnam
REEs in 13 molybdenum samples have been determined. The obtained experimental results for correction factors of uranium-fission interference interested in determination of REEs will be submitted in a peer-reviewed journal. Besides, sample types, e.g. vehicle shielding glass, edible bird's nest (swiftlet), red mud bauxite waste and moss biomonitoring are also analyzed by k₀-NAA.

NAA-2: General Discussion
1) Lead speech (Dr. Miura, Japan)
Neutron activation analysis was recognized as potential primary ratio method by IAWG/CCQM. However, the reliability of the analytical value needs to be evaluated for each analytical procedure. In this presentation, the determination of Hf in Zr metal and the analysis of Br in PP resin pellet were introduced as an application example of NAA with internal standardization. The internal standardization was so useful for enhancement of reliability in NAA.

2) Reactor availability
China, Korea and Japan experienced difficulties in the previous 12 months due to the unavailability of their reactor. The Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR) has recently re-started and HANARO is expected to re-start in the first half of 2019. While CARR is being commissioned, China has access to another reactor for INAA.

3) SPM sub-project
In the SPM sub-project it has become evident from several presentations that there are discrepancies between measurements of filter papers made by different techniques, PIXE, INAA, ICP-MS and XRF. Consideration was given to a program of work to understand the reasons for the differences with the aim of improving the quality of data in the region. The need for suitable reference materials in this work was identified.
It was agreed that the plan to publish a paper on the SPM results should be carried over to the next year, including a comparison with data collected in earlier phases of the NAA project. Comparing results from the same locations collected more than 10 years apart may show evidence of trends in air pollution in the region.

4) REE/Mineral Resources sub-project
The summary of the data collected in the previous inter-comparison using REE samples was reviewed again. It was noted that some of the discrepancies observed between different laboratories and different techniques may have been due to poorly characterized reference materials. The planned distribution of a new REE material amongst participants was not carried out in the previous year. It is planned to undertake an inter-comparison using a well characterized material that contains REE and U, needing fission correction. Japan offered to investigate the possibility of coordinating the inter-comparison if a suitable Japanese reference material can be identified. There was also discussion of the possibility of using NAA for the certification of new reference materials.

5) Future plans
There was discussion of future directions for the NAA group in the RRU Project. Of the 12 member countries, 9 expressed a desire to continue participating in NAA activities. Member countries described the benefits that they gain from participation in the NAA workshops. Common themes were regional networking and identity, information sharing, the identification of opportunities for human development (training, students, personnel exchanges, etc.) and for scientific collaboration.
The meeting understands that NAA has a high status in the analytical community but it was recognized that the practitioners are generally not good at communicating that to key stakeholders in government, industry and academia. There is a need to promote the particular advantages of NAA over other analytical techniques (accuracy, reliability, particular material types, etc.). This need could be addressed in future activities.
In considering a future program of work, including a possible next phase, it is important to focus on being able to demonstrate concrete outcomes that are of benefit to society. These outcomes and performance indicators may include joint publications and increasing demand for NAA capabilities by industry and researchers. It is important to define a set of performance measures and establish a baseline set of data across all members so that improvements goals can be quantified and benefits can be assessed.
The success of such an approach can only be successful if members are fully committed to an agreed program of work and are willing to contribute time and resources to the FNCA projects.

NAA-3: Conclusions

1. The NAA group has continued to work towards meeting planned objectives and some significant advances have been achieved in the current year.
2. Improvement in maintaining and growing productive linkages with end-users has continued.
3. Two sub-projects, air pollution and mineral resources, are running in the current phase with the participating countries shown in the table below.

x – intention to participate
(x) – participation subject to national ratification or no results obtained over the previous 12 months

4. Objectives have been set for both the SPM and REE sub-projects for the coming year.
5. Planning discussions have started for the possible next phase after March 2020.

Program of
FNCA 2018 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project