The opening session of the Sixth International Conference on Geological Repositories (ICGR-6) in Helsinki, Finland. Photo: Krystal Kenney

There is consensus within the international scientific community that geological repositories can provide the necessary long-term safety and security to isolate long-lived waste from the human environment over extended timescales. Whilst it is feasible to construct these repositories using current technologies, challenges remain in many countries to the development of geological repositories, including building and maintaining public confidence, the availability of skilled staff, and the transfer of information and expertise.

The Seventh International Conference on Geological Repositories (ICGR-7) will take place on 27-31 May 2024 in Busan, Korea. The event will bring together high-level decision-makers from regulatory and local government bodies, waste management organisations and public stakeholder communities to review current perspectives of geological repository development. The objectives of the ICGR are to:

• take stock of progress made since 2022 in developing and implementing geological repositories for long-lived radioactive waste, and to advance mutual learning through the international forum for the exchange of perspectives and experiences;
• to examine the latest issues and challenges encountered by various stakeholders in different developmental stages by sharing experiences among countries developing geological repositories;
• to enhance international co-operation for transforming research results into practical and reliable technologies for the long-term implementation of disposal facilities;
• to identify opportunities to strengthen co-operation for building and maintaining confidence in the geological repository life cycle;
• to improve involvement of the younger generation in the development and research of geological disposal.

Building upon the success of previous conferences held in Denver (1999), Stockholm (2003), Berne (2007), Toronto (2012), Paris (2016), and Helsinki (2022) the seventh ICGR will also engage university students and young professionals, to ensure that younger generations are participating in, and contributing to, these important discussions which will have impacts on future generations.

The ICGR-7 will take place within the International Symposium on Safety Improvement & Stakeholder Confidence in Radioactive Waste Management (SaRaM), which aims to strengthen international co-operation in radioactive waste management.

The conference is co-organised with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea, with the participation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Commission (EC).

KORAD (Korea Radioactive Waste Agency) is the local host of ICGR-7.

Registrations will open soon.