This section of the NIS Profiles Database provides overviews of Russian nuclear research facilities.  For research facilities that specialize in nuclear weapons design and production, please see the Nuclear Weapons Facilities section of the database.  Research facilities that have a major role in the production of fissile materials may be found in the Fissile Materials section of the database.
 
Russian nuclear research facilities are used for studies of nuclear physics, solid-state physics, materials science, radioisotope production, and for other purposes.  These research facilities include not only reactors and critical/subcritical assemblies, but also hot cells, research laboratories, and radioactive waste handling facilities.[1]

It is unclear exactly how many research reactors and critical/subcritical assemblies exist in Russia.  In 1994 Oleg Bukharin stated that there are 113 research reactors and critical/subcritical assemblies in Russia. Of this total, Bukharin believes that approximately 40 are research reactors, with about half of them located in Moscow.[2]  In the first half of 2000, Gosatomnadzor reported that it inspected 109 research reactors and critical/subcritical assemblies.  Arriving at an exact number is complicated by the fact that the reactors and assemblies are owned by various Russian entities, including academic institutions and the ministries of Atomic Energy, Education, Health, and Defense.

According to a 2000 Gosatomnadzor report, nuclear research facilities are being used less for three reasons:  1) many facility owners are experiencing financial difficulties; 2) facility personnel are finding employment elsewhere; and 3) many reactors and assemblies are growing old.  Of the 109 reactors and assemblies inspected in 2000, GAN found 50 in operation, 53 in the process of being shut down, and six under construction.  Of those in operation and being shut down, 30% were at least 30 years old.[3]

For further information, please see the following sections of the NIS Profiles Database:
Russia: Research Facilities Developments
Russia: Table of Critical and Subcritical Assemblies
Russia:  Table of Research Reactors
Russia:  Fissile Material Table

Sources:
[1] International Science and Technology Center, "Project #245 Radleg," Kurchatov Institute Web Site,  http://www.kiae.ru/radleg/ch6e.htm. 
[2] CNS correspondence with Oleg Bukharin, 12-13 December 1994.
[3] Spravka GAN o sostoyanii yadernoy i radiatsionnoy bezopasnosti Rossii v pervom polugodii 2000 goda, AtomSafe Web Site, http://www.atomsafe.ru/GAN_1_00.htm. {Updated 10/6/00 DK, 2/15/01 KB}

Last updated 8 July 2004 

Comments or questions? Contact Kenley Butler at MIIS CNS: kenley.butlerATmiis.edu

This material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2002 by MIIS.

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