June 25, 2010
Since 1975, the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute has been conducting reactor experiments using the Kyoto University Critical Assembly (KUCA), a small research reactor, targeting undergraduate and graduate students. The universities that have participated in these experiments comprise 12 domestic universities with nuclear-related departments including Kyoto University (Kyoto University, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo City University, Nagoya University, University of Fukui, Osaka University, Kinki University, Kobe University, and Kyushu University); six South Korean universities; and one Swedish university. During one week of experiments, students participate in fundamental experiments regarding reactor physics such as critical approach experiments, reactivity measurement and neutron flux measurement, as well as reactor operation. Each university awards two credits for this curriculum.
Eight weeks of experiments are planned for this academic year, and as of the experiment week starting on June 21, the cumulative total of students participating in these experiments since its beginning has reached 3,000. Many of the participants of these experiments go on to work in nuclear-related companies, laboratories, etc., after graduation. These experiments have contributed greatly to domestic and international human resource development in the field of nuclear power.
The Research Reactor Institute hopes to continue these reactor experiments, and to further enhance their content.
 Student experiments |  Group photo after closing ceremony |