In early March 2026, a group of students visited the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The event was attended by 17 students of the 4th year of 14.03.02 "Nuclear Physics and Technology" of OINPE NRNU MEPhI. The main goal of the visit was learning about the operation of research instruments in real practice; this is an experience that cannot be obtained at lectures.

Group of students in the IBR-2 Control Room

At the beginning of the visit, the staff members of the Nuclear Safety Group held a series of lectures on fast periodic pulsed reactors. The students were provided with information on the purpose and classification of research reactors, on the history of the development of pulsed reactors in the Laboratory of Neutron Physics, on key aspects of the operation of the IBR-2 reactor, as well as on structural features and operation factors. Special focus was on the calculated support of the reactor operation, meeting the issues of dynamics and stability of its operation, as well as the analysis of pulse energy noise and noise diagnostics of IBR-2M.

Senior researcher of the Nuclear Safety Group Sumkhuu Davaasuren is giving a lecture "Dynamics and stability of the operation of the IBR-2M reactor "

The lecture course was followed by excursions to the instruments of the Laboratory. The students visited the IBR-2M reactor control panel, the REGATA pneumatic transport unit, the YuMO spectrometer and the complex of cryogenic moderators of the reactor. In addition, the participants of the lecture course learned about the operation of the intense resonance neutron source IREN in FLNP. This format allowed the students to correlate the operation principles of the instruments presented at the lectures with their practical implementation.

Excursion to the intense resonance neutron source IREN

FLNP Chief Engineer Alexander Vinogradov

"The development programme of FLNP provides for both the improvement of research capabilities on the extracted neutron beams of the reactor and the maintenance of the safe operation of the IBR-2 basic facility for the long term. The task of ensuring safe operation is complex and includes not only the advanced technical infrastructure, but also various issues related to the analysis of reactor safety as a complex and unique physical object. In this regard, the engagement of student youth in the early stages of training for an in-depth study of our reactor with the possible further employment in FLNP, such as, in the Nuclear Safety Group, in the  Sector of a New Source or in other services of the reactor is becoming a crucial task, a matter of hope for the Laboratory"

The visit of students became essential to their professional training, allowing them to expand their understanding of current scientific and engineering activities. Such events strengthen the cooperation between scientific organizations and specialized universities, and develop a strong interest in working in the scientific industry. According to the guide, Associate Professor at DNPT of OINPE NRNU MEPhI R.V. Fomin, "During this practice, the students have acquired valuable theoretical knowledge in the field of pulsed reactor technology and its practical application. The most interesting and useful part of the visit programme is the visit to the unique experimental base of the Institute."

The visit went in a working and productive atmosphere, providing the participants with valuable practical experience and positive impressions of learning about JINR.