Current utilization and long term strategy of the Finnish Triga research reactor of The Finnish Triga Research Reactor FIR 1

The Finnish TRIGA reactor, FiR 1, started operation in 1962. From early on the reactor created versatile research to support the national nuclear program as well as generally the industry and health care sector. Production of short-lived radioisotopes is still a basic service. Education and training play a role in the form of university courses and training of nuclear industry personnel in the Baltic region. In the 1990’s a BNCT cancer treatment facility was build. Over 200 patient irradiations have been performed since May 1999. FiR 1 is one of the few facilities in the world providing these treatments. A long term strategy is being worked out for FiR 1 by VTT supported by an independent survey. The survey recommends operation of the reactor at least till 2016 to enable continuation of the promising development of BNCT in parallel of developing accelerator based neutron sources for this treatment