Specific research programmes (EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Measurement and testing -, 1992-1994

Part of the third Framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990 to 1994) under subactivity II.2.: "Industrial and materials technologies", the programme builds on and continues work carried out in the 1988-1991 JRC programmes in reference methods and reliability of structures and reference materials for non-nuclear energies.

The Central Bureau of Nuclear Measurements (CBNM) continues its activities in both the nuclear and non-nuclear fields of reference materials, notably in the following areas:
- Preparation, characterization and certification of samples;
- Long-lived or stable isotope mass spectrometry;
- Nuclear data measurements and evaluation;
- Radionuclide metrology;
- Applied radiation techniques.

Research in the growing application of these specialized techniques to non-nuclear areas capitalizes on the existing experimental facilities including the particle accelerators. Activities in support of consumer protection policy are being continued. Furthermore, specific prenormative research activities are continuing in the fields of reliability of structures and on a lesser scale in renewable energies (photovoltaic), the latter activity being centred on the utilization of the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) at Ispra. Research on the reliability of structures makes use of the new reaction wall facility at the Institute for Safety Technology, also at Ispra. In the context of a multinational programme, other significant activities with national participation are performed in the areas of life prediction of structures and the evaluation of their lifetime in service.

Development and modernization of the Geel Linac, GALINA, as neutron source for high resolution neutron data measurements, complemented by the 7MV Van de Graaff accelerator for spot-point measurements, is envisaged and should result for CBNM in a unique position in Europe as a neutron measurement centre and allow it to develop a programme of radiation physics.
To promote European standards and to contribute to the harmonization of both nuclear and non-nuclear reference methodologies and materials.
Five research areas:

- Nuclear measurements (Central Bureau of Nuclear Measurements, Geel):
. To improve the neutron standards data set, relative to which particle cross-sections or other quantities, important for fission and fusion technology, are determined;
. To improve radionuclide decay data for standards applications;
. To develop nuclear measurement techniques for nuclear and non-nuclear applications;

- Reference materials (Central Bureau of Nuclear Measurements, Geel):
. To prepare, characterize and certify high quality nuclear reference materials, required in the nuclear fuel cycle, including safeguards, in order to proceed in the establishment of a unique and coordinated nuclear analytical measurement system within Europe and to guarantee an independent European supply;
. To prepare special targets in support of CBNM's nuclear data programme;
. To make use of nuclear measures and refined analytical and preparation techniques for selected non-nuclear applications;
. To prepare, store and distribute BCR reference materials;
. To support harmonization and standardization in analytical measurements by selected intercomparison and quality control actions.

- Reaction wall (Institute for Safety Technology, Ispra):
To gain a better understanding of the non-linear response of materials and structures to severe dynamic loading and thereby to contribute to the optimization of construction practice and norms in mechanical and structural engineering;

- Reliability modelling of structures (Institute for Systems Engineering and Informatics, Ispra):
Development and validation of methods and procedures for reliability assessment and lifetime prediction ("best estimate" approach) by knowledge engineering and non-invasive diagnostic techniques.;

- Prenormative research in photovoltaic systems (Institute for Systems Engineering and Informatics, Ispra)
. To provide pre-normative research and development on advanced photovoltaic conversion devices;
. To contribute scientifically to the harmonization of European norms and standards for the Internal Market;
. To offer calibration and qualification expertise to industrial and standards bodies taking advantage of JRC's neutrality and independence.
The Commission, assisted by the Board of Governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is responsible for carrying out the programme by means of the services of the JRC and in parallel with other relevant specific programmes of the third Framework programme (1990-1994).

The programme comprises research and technological development (RTD) projects and accompanying measures. The RTD projects are carried out in collaboration and in concert, whenever feasible, with national research bodies in the Member States, taking into account as far as possible regional development aspects of RTD activities and their potential socio-economic effects. Particular attention will be paid to associations with industry, notably with SMEs, in collaborative schemes around the projects.

The research is carried out by the Central Bureau of Nuclear Measurements (CBNM) at Geel, the Institute for Safety Technology (IST) at Ispra and the Institute for Systems Engineering and Informatics (ISEI) at Ispra.

The Commission is authorized to negotiate international agreements with third country members of COST, in particular member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Central and Eastern European countries, with a view to associating them with the programme. However, no contracting body based outside the Community may benefit from the Community financing granted to the programme. Such a body shall contribute to the general administrative costs.

Research projects open to international cooperation shall include cooperation measures with international research laboratories and make provision for the exchange of researchers. Supplementary measures should allow cooperation with research laboratories and institutions located in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 91.08 million, 6% of which may be used for exploratory research. A sum representing 1% of the total JRC budget for 1992- 1994 is reserved as a contribution from the JRC's specific programmes to the centralized action on dissemination and exploitation of results (VALUE II).

Knowledge gained through the realization of the projects will be disseminated by the programme itself as well as by the centralized action.

The Commission shall each year before 31 March present to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on the implementation of the programme, together with the observations of the Board of Governors. At the end of the programme an evaluation of the research shall be conducted by a group of independent external experts and a report on the evaluation, accompanied by the opinion of the Board of Governors, shall be forwarded to these same bodies.