Research reactors around the world are playing an important role in advancing science, health care, and industry. These facilities operate in 54 countries with 228 currently operating and another 23 under construction or being planned. They produce medical isotopes that are essential for diagnosing diseases and treating cancer. One of the most widely used is technetium-99m, which is used in 85% of medical procedures worldwide for the diagnosis of cancer and heart, brain and bone diseases– up to 50 million procedures a year globally. Other isotopes like iodine-131 are used to treat thyroid disorders and some cancers.
These reactors also support scientific discoveries by generating neutrons for material analysis and imaging, according to iaea.org. Neutron imaging can now create detailed 3D scans of objects, including historical artifacts and animal bones. Scientists use neutron exposure to study how materials behave under stress, which helps in building better nuclear fuels and components. This research supports the development of next-generation clean energy technologies like fusion reactors and micro-reactors for space use. The International Atomic Energy Agency helps countries build these capabilities through training, expert missions, and technical guidance. In Jordan, IAEA support helped establish the country’s first multipurpose research reactor.
Countries also use these reactors to train nuclear engineers and other professionals in safety and operation. Training programs help prepare students for roles in future nuclear energy projects. In Morocco, IAEA support has improved safety standards and operator training at research facilities.
Research reactors are only one part of the broader scientific ecosystem, where universities and research institutions are also working to turn fundamental discoveries into practical technologies and medical advances.
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, efforts are growing to connect with biotech companies and industry leaders, according to a report from news.ucsc.edu. Campus leaders aim to show how fundamental research leads to real-world medical treatments. The Genomics Institute hosted a mixer event last fall bringing together researchers, students, and industry professionals. This event highlighted the impact of discoveries made at UC Santa Cruz, such as the first draft of the human genome. The campus also took part in the BIO International Convention, a major biotech gathering in San Diego. At the event, campus leaders met with alumni working in biotech and potential industry partners. Nobel laureate Carol Greider spoke at a reception to help build connections between the campus and industry.
Campus leaders believe that long-term conversations are more valuable than one-time meetings. An upcoming RNA Futures Meeting at UC Santa Cruz will bring together experts to discuss the future of RNA biology and its applications. The conference aims to foster collaboration rather than just present finished work. UC Santa Cruz alumni are making important contributions in the biotech field, with many holding key roles at companies. Some graduates have founded successful startups that focus on developing new medicines. Another graduate co-founded a company that creates drugs targeting hard-to-reach parts of the body.
As universities strengthen their relationships with industry and look for new ways to move discoveries into the marketplace, maintaining the credibility of published research has become increasingly important.
Meanwhile, scientific integrity is under threat from organizations known as paper mills, The Guardian reported. Dr Reese Richardson tracks these groups that sell fake research papers and intellectual property rights. These groups use messaging apps to find people looking for ways to boost their academic profiles. The number of these operations has grown rapidly over the past 15 years, with activity doubling every 18 months.
Paper mills often bypass peer review processes to publish fake articles. This practice pollutes scientific records and can affect drug discovery and clinical research. In 2023, Hindawi, a now defunct journal brand, retracted more than 8,000 articles. Richardson’s research helps identify how these operations are structured and who they target.
Advertisements from paper mills can be used like evidence to trace fraudulent activity. Some ads sell fake design registrations, including ones falsely claiming to be from Australia. These fake registrations are sold for between $95 and $150 per owner, allowing up to eight people to be listed. One registration for a wastewater treatment device was linked to research institutes in India but listed an office in Sydney that belongs to an insurance company. Richardson says these actions use government systems to deceive others.
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