Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) had the honor of welcoming H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Korea, for an official visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in nuclear science and technology.

This visit is especially meaningful as 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Czech Republic. Ambassador Jančárek’s visit signifies a shared commitment to expanding strategic collaboration in the nuclear sector, particularly following the Czech Republic’s finalized contract for the construction of Dukovany Units 5 and 6.

During his visit, Ambassador Jančárek engaged in high-level discussions with KAERI President and senior leadership. The meeting focused on moving beyond a traditional supplier-client framework toward deeper cooperation in future-oriented technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear fuel, radioactive waste management, and radiological applications.

Following the meeting, the Ambassador was given a technical tour of KAERI’s cutting-edge research infrastructure. The first stop was HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor), a world-class multi-purpose research reactor utilized for materials testing, radioisotope production, and neutron science. The ambassador then visited ATLAS (Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation), an integral facility designed to verify the safety performance of nuclear systems under severe accident scenarios. The tour concluded at SMART-ITL (SMART-Integral Test Loop), which simulates the thermal-hydraulic behavior of Small Modular Reactors, a promising next-generation reactor design developed by KAERI.

KAERI President emphasized the significance of the ambassador’s visit as a timely step to bolster strategic R&D collaboration and promote mutual growth in the global nuclear energy landscape. They also discussed ways to expand comprehensive cooperation between nuclear R&D institutions of both countries. Today’s dialogue is expected to lay a solid foundation for a more robust Korea–Czech nuclear partnership in the years ahead.