McMaster’s teaching and research nuclear reactor is seeking a renewal of its operating licence. As part of the standard operating procedure, the reactor’s licence must be renewed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on a regular basis.

McMaster’s reactor is used for research purposes in several areas including engineering and medical physics and for commercial purposes. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of the medical radioisotope iodine-125, used for the treatment of prostate cancer.

In addition to the numerous faculty members and graduate students who make use of the reactor for research, several undergraduate courses have laboratory components that involve the nuclear reactor and associated facilities. Since its launch in 1959, the reactor has provided training for students in the form of summer internships, laboratory and isotope production technicians, and engineering assistants.

A licence renewal hearing is scheduled for May 8 in Ottawa. Members of the public who have an interest or expertise in the reactor are invited to comment on the application. You can learn more by visiting: nuclearsafety.gc.ca