Frequently Asked Questions
Is the reactor still operational?
Yes, the TRIGA Mark II research reactor is fully operational and is used for research, education and testing purposes.
Is the reactor safe?
Yes, the reactor operates in accordance with the highest nuclear safety standards and is under continuous supervision. Its design ensures that even in the event of operator error or equipment malfunction, fuel damage cannot occur.
The concept of TRIGA reactors was developed in the early 1950s. TRIGA reactors such as ours are not intended for electricity production (as nuclear power plants are), but are used as sources of neutrons and other types of radiation for research purposes. For this reason, they are significantly smaller in both size and power. Our reactor has an approximately cylindrical shape, with a diameter and height of around 40 cm, and operates at a power of 250 kW.
For comparison, the reactor at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant operates at approximately 8000 times higher power output, the difference is comparable to that between a bicycle and a truck. The TRIGA reactor is cooled by water at normal pressure and temperature, meaning that the maximum operating temperature of the fuel elements reaches only a few hundred degrees Celsius. The fuel elements are made of a highly resistant zirconium hydride and uranium alloy, which effectively retains fission products generated during reactor operation. The reactor is inherently safe by design, meaning that no operator error or cooling failure can result in fuel damage.
More than 40 TRIGA reactors have operated worldwide for over 40 years without a single reactor accident. Reactors of this type are often constructed at universities as part of scientific and educational laboratory facilities. Even in Austria, where public opinion towards nuclear energy is highly critical, a reactor identical to ours operates within the Atominstitut in central Vienna, near the Prater.
More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
How is radiation protection ensured?
Radiation protection is ensured through shielding systems, continuous monitoring and strict safety procedures. More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
How can I participate in research projects?
Please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact us at anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si. Our experts will help define the possibilities for cooperation.
How can I submit a sample for analysis or irradiation?
Please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact us at anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si. Together we will determine the appropriate procedure according to the type of analysis or irradiation required.
Can the public visit the Reactor Infrastructure Centre?
Yes, visits are possible upon prior arrangement and only for organised groups.
- For reactor reservations and additional information, please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si.
- Visits to the reactor are organised through the Nuclear Training Centre (ICJT).
Kontakt in rezervacije: kako se prijavim na obisk?
The Reactor Infrastructure Centre (RIC) provides access to reactor and irradiation facilities for research, education and training purposes.
- For reactor reservations and additional information, please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si.
- Visits to the reactor are organised through the Nuclear Training Centre (ICJT).
Are there age restrictions for visits?
The recommended minimum age is generally above 12 years, depending on the visit programme.
What is the TRIGA reactor used for?
The reactor is not intended for electricity production, but for research, education and materials testing. It operates as a source of neutrons and other types of radiation for scientific and industrial applications. More information about reactor activities is available in the Activities section.
What is the difference between TRIGA and a nuclear power plant?
The TRIGA reactor is significantly smaller and operates at a power of 250 kW, which is approximately 8000 times lower than the Krško Nuclear Power Plant reactor. It is intended for research purposes rather than electricity generation.
Does visiting the reactor present any risk?
No, visits are safe and are conducted under the supervision of trained personnel. More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
Can companies cooperate with RIC?
Yes, RIC cooperates with industry in the development of materials, sample analysis, testing and other applications.
Is the infrastructure accessible to international researchers?
Yes, RIC participates in international projects and also provides access to foreign researchers.
Does RIC organise training courses or guided visits?
Yes, RIC organises professional excursions, student laboratory exercises, workshops and training courses.
Can students carry out internships or thesis work at RIC?
Yes, RIC regularly cooperates with students from various academic disciplines.
Is the reactor still operational?
Yes, the TRIGA Mark II research reactor is fully operational and is used for research, education and testing purposes.
Is the reactor safe?
Yes, the reactor operates in accordance with the highest nuclear safety standards and is under continuous supervision. Its design ensures that even in the event of operator error or equipment malfunction, fuel damage cannot occur.
The concept of TRIGA reactors was developed in the early 1950s. TRIGA reactors such as ours are not intended for electricity production (as nuclear power plants are), but are used as sources of neutrons and other types of radiation for research purposes. For this reason, they are significantly smaller in both size and power. Our reactor has an approximately cylindrical shape, with a diameter and height of around 40 cm, and operates at a power of 250 kW.
For comparison, the reactor at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant operates at approximately 8000 times higher power output, the difference is comparable to that between a bicycle and a truck. The TRIGA reactor is cooled by water at normal pressure and temperature, meaning that the maximum operating temperature of the fuel elements reaches only a few hundred degrees Celsius. The fuel elements are made of a highly resistant zirconium hydride and uranium alloy, which effectively retains fission products generated during reactor operation. The reactor is inherently safe by design, meaning that no operator error or cooling failure can result in fuel damage.
More than 40 TRIGA reactors have operated worldwide for over 40 years without a single reactor accident. Reactors of this type are often constructed at universities as part of scientific and educational laboratory facilities. Even in Austria, where public opinion towards nuclear energy is highly critical, a reactor identical to ours operates within the Atominstitut in central Vienna, near the Prater.
More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
How is radiation protection ensured?
Radiation protection is ensured through shielding systems, continuous monitoring and strict safety procedures. More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
How can I participate in research projects?
Please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact us at anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si. Our experts will help define the possibilities for cooperation.
How can I submit a sample for analysis or irradiation?
Please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact us at anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si. Together we will determine the appropriate procedure according to the type of analysis or irradiation required.
Can the public visit the Reactor Infrastructure Centre?
Yes, visits are possible upon prior arrangement and only for organised groups.
- For reactor reservations and additional information, please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si.
- Visits to the reactor are organised through the Nuclear Training Centre (ICJT).
Kontakt in rezervacije: kako se prijavim na obisk?
The Reactor Infrastructure Centre (RIC) provides access to reactor and irradiation facilities for research, education and training purposes.
- For reactor reservations and additional information, please call +386 (0)1 588 52 28 or contact anze.jazbec(at)ijs.si.
- Visits to the reactor are organised through the Nuclear Training Centre (ICJT).
Are there age restrictions for visits?
The recommended minimum age is generally above 12 years, depending on the visit programme.
What is the TRIGA reactor used for?
The reactor is not intended for electricity production, but for research, education and materials testing. It operates as a source of neutrons and other types of radiation for scientific and industrial applications. More information about reactor activities is available in the Activities section.
What is the difference between TRIGA and a nuclear power plant?
The TRIGA reactor is significantly smaller and operates at a power of 250 kW, which is approximately 8000 times lower than the Krško Nuclear Power Plant reactor. It is intended for research purposes rather than electricity generation.
Does visiting the reactor present any risk?
No, visits are safe and are conducted under the supervision of trained personnel. More information about reactor safety is available in the Safety and Operation section.
Can companies cooperate with RIC?
Yes, RIC cooperates with industry in the development of materials, sample analysis, testing and other applications.
Is the infrastructure accessible to international researchers?
Yes, RIC participates in international projects and also provides access to foreign researchers.
Does RIC organise training courses or guided visits?
Yes, RIC organises professional excursions, student laboratory exercises, workshops and training courses.
Can students carry out internships or thesis work at RIC?
Yes, RIC regularly cooperates with students from various academic disciplines.