• Jin-Seop Kim
• Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
• E-mail : kjs@kaeri.re.kr

The high-level radioactive waste disposal research division carries out various academic activities related to final disposal of high-level radioactive waste, including spent nuclear fuel, to permanently isolate radioactivity and toxicity from causing harming to humans and the natural environment. These activities encompass research on disposal site selection, disposal system design and safety assessment, engineering barrier performance validation, and identification of the behavior of radionuclides in the disposal environment. Additionally, the division establishes diverse collaboration programs with academia and industry in relevant fields to ensure the sfae final disposal of high-level waste based on the trust of the public. The outcomes are shared at the society level, contributing to the formulation of national policies on spent nuclear fuel. To achieve these goals, the division is comprised of experts from various fields, including national and pbulic universites, govermnent-funded research institutes, regulatory agencies, disposal project management agencies, construction companies, and enineerings co. We also support the periodic specialized workshops involving the participation of various institutes.

• R&D related to disposal of high-level radioactive waste (including disposal system, safety assessment, multi-barrier performance demonstration, radionuclide migration, natural analogue, underground research laboratories, site selection, alternative disposal concept, etc.)
• Support for the development of basic technologies for commercialization of disposa projects, such as disposal facility design, regulatory technology, construction technology, and menangement technology etc.
• Development and implementation of programs to educate and train professionals in the field of high-level radioactive waste disposal
• Development and implementation of industry-academic-research cooperation programs in the field of high-level radioactive waste disposal
• Academic support for the establishment and implementation of national disposal programs