Nuclear Cooperation in Asia and the role of RCARO Dr Ron Cameron Chief of Operations Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

Nuclear Cooperation in Asia RCA has evolved through a number of stages since its inception but these have been in response to changing circumstances and evolving needs. Primarily RCA’s success is that it has strong Member State involvement and has transferred techniques to member states. However, RCA is not as widely known among funding organisations or among certain end-users who might be able to use nuclear techniques. As a mature Agreement, it is expected that RCA has a high degree of self management and takes the lead in strategy and promotion to stakeholders.

Nuclear Cooperation in Asia A key element of success will be sustainability, both of the nuclear institute and of the project outcomes (e.g. technologies and products). Another key outcome will be identifying strategic partnerships and developing networks with influential organisations, so that the benefits can be more widely known. In developing as an effective organisation, projects must be ‘needs driven’, benefit from regional cooperation and be such that nuclear techniques can have a major benefit

Role of RCARO In setting up a regional office, we saw opportunity to promote RCA, to identify sources of funding and to enhance the regional presence Primarily this should be directed to the existing programme and consistent with the MTS However there may be times where funding sources have needs that, while consistent with the RCA MTS, may need slightly different treatment

Role of RCARO Additionally sponsor requirements may not align with IAEA requirements and so some flexibility is needed. The fast track mechanism can help with the approval process for projects needing more rapid approval but this must ensure that adequate evaluation is carried out. Such projects or other activities should not be seen as being outside the RCA and will, therefore, be limited in number. We should not be overly rigid in curtailing project numbers, particularly when funding organisations are providing funds. However the major effort should continue to be directed to funding existing projects.

Role of RCARO The RCARO has provided good support in promoting RCA and shows itself willing to take on additional tasks. The development of success stories has been a good outcome The RCA promotion session at PEMSEA was also a good outcome for RCA The Korean government has also offered other opportunities through educational courses that are of high value With the workplan adopted at this meeting, we have a start on a more systematic way to target collaborations

Role of RCARO Comparing with MTS Objective 4, the workshop has: Increased the focus on developing collaborative arrangements with other programmes Emphasised the need for better publications with wider dissemination Made suggestions for better electronic networking and information delivery Set a course to actively promote RCA to funding agencies Emphasised again the need for flexible mechanisms for working with donors Recommended an overall promotion plan to incorporate these elements