Founded in 1956 as a branch of the Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute, PNPI became an independent entity in 1971. [1] The Institute, which is a part of the Russian Academy of Sciences, is a state research center. and is one of the four organizations comprising the pilot cooperation project at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, established in 2009.[2]

PNPI conducts research on neutron physics, high energy physics, theoretical physics, and molecular and radiation biophysics. Its primary activities in the area of nuclear physics include proton and small-angle diffraction scattering. It also conducts applied research in engineering, medicine, and ecology. [3]

The institute is home to a critical assembly and two research reactors, all of which are HEU-powered. The VVR-M reactor, commissioned in 1959, is one of the oldest in Russia. In turn, the PIK high-flux research reactor is Russia's newest research reactor. [4] The startup of the PIK has been repeatedly delayed.[5] For an overview of Russia's HEU policy and the full list of Russia's facilities using HEU, see the Russia Civilian HEU profile.

Sources:
[1] "Петербургский институт ядерной физики" [Petersburg institute of nuclear physics], PNPI website, undated, www.pnpi.spb.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).
[2] "National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute," KIAE website, undated, www.kiae.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).
[3] "Петербургский институт ядерной физики" [Petersburg institute of nuclear physics], PNPI website, undated, www.pnpi.spb.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).
[4] J. E. Matos, "Technical Challenges for Conversion of Civilian Research Reactors in Russia," presentation at the National Academy of Sciences, 29 November 2010, Washington, D.C.
[5] Pavel Podvig, "More Delays for PIK Reactor," IPFM Blog, 9 August 2011, www.fissilematerials.org.