The NEA concluded the fourth edition of its International School on Simulation of Nuclear Reactor Systems (SINUS), which ran from 18 March to 15 May 2026. This yearly training aims to strengthen the skills of the next generation of reactor physics experts in advanced modelling and simulation tools for multiphysics analysis, as well as methods for verification, validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ).
The SINUS-4 programme focused on neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, fuel performance and multiphysics analysis for light-water reactors (LWRs) and light-water small modular reactors (LW-SMRs). It drew on the expertise of the NEA Working Party on Scientific Issues and Uncertainty Analysis of Reactor Systems (WPRS) and was co-ordinated by North Carolina State University (NCSU), the Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the NEA WPRS and the NEA Data Bank, with additional support from France’s Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, or CEA).
The course drew significant interest worldwide, with 32 participants chosen. The selection process sought to identify outstanding Master’s or PhD students and young professionals with strong academic and professional records, while also promoting geographical diversity and gender balance within the cohort.
The course comprised three components:
- 40 hours of online lectures and hands-on exercises delivered by WPRS experts;
- three weeks of independent project work based on data from the WPRS Benchmark for Uncertainty Analysis in Best-Estimate Modelling for Design, Operation and Safety Analysis of Light Water Reactors (LWR-UAM) and Light-water cooled small modular reactor benchmark for uncertainty quantification and propagation in multiphysics simulations (LW-SMR). These projects were carried out by multinational teams of three to four students, with support from NCSU and CEA experts who had developed the exercises;
- four days of in-person training held alongside the WPRS Benchmark Workshops 2026.
The in-person training and the WPRS Benchmark Workshops 2026 were hosted by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with support from Conexus Nuclear Inc. The event gave the SINUS-4 cohort an opportunity to engage with WPRS experts, take part in the workshops and present their project work during the LWR-UAM workshop.
This year SINUS was approved for the first time as an official activity under the NEA Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework, and as such, 18 participants from institutions in NEST member countries received financial support from NEST to attend the in-person training at McMaster University.
The next edition of SINUS is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, with registration expected to open in November 2026.
