On August 1, 2023, Annie Caputo, a commissioner of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), visited Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and had a meeting with KAERI president Dr. Han Gyu Joo to discuss the bilateral cooperation between NRC and KAERI. 

The visit was conducted with the purpose of confirming the partnership between NRC and KAERI and exploring areas to strengthen future collaboration. President Joo welcomed the commissioner by addressing strong partnership with NRC that contributes in enhancing nuclear safety through numerous joint research programs such as the MARS, the thermal-hydraulic system code, CINEMA, the comprehensive accident analysis code, and so on.

Both leaders also discussed for future areas to expand cooperation. KAERI expressed the desire to seek other collaboration opportunities with NRC in nuclear safety in general and ongoing system development programs such as SMRs and Advanced Reactor in particular. 

Following a meeting with the President, Ms. Caputo visited ATLAS - Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation, and informed the ongoing projects of nuclear safety research conducted at KAERI. NRC joined the international joint research project using ATLAS as an initial member within the framework of Nuclear Energy Agency of OECD.