Istanbul Technical University continues its preparations for the "Nuclear Future and Society in Small Modular Reactors Conference (NÜKLEUS 2026)," planned for May 2026, in line with its scientific research in the fields of energy technologies, radiation safety, and advanced materials.

This comprehensive event aims to bring together academics, public representatives, private sector stakeholders, and international experts working in multidisciplinary areas such as nuclear energy technologies, radiation safety, societal impact, energy policies, and next-generation reactor designs.

ITU's Scientific Knowledge in Nuclear Technology
ITU has demonstrated its competence in nuclear technology and radiation safety through several important international events it has organized:

2018 - Polymer & Nanocomposites Symposium and Seminar
Organized as part of the TÜBİTAK 1001 project, this symposium and seminar focused on self-healing armor and radiation shielding materials, paving the way for pioneering research in this field in Turkey.
2021 – International Conference on Nuclear Technology, Radiation Safety, and Advanced Technological Research
Organized in collaboration with ITU and CRDF Global Canada, the conference offered a broadly participated scientific platform in the fields of nuclear technology, radiation safety, advanced materials, and sensor technologies.

These events are important milestones in demonstrating ITU's leadership in developing the nuclear technology ecosystem.

NUCLEAR 2026: A New Scientific Foundation for Next-Generation Nuclear Technology

Unlike previous events, the conference, planned for 2026, aims to address nuclear security with a holistic approach encompassing not only technical but also societal, environmental, and governance dimensions.

The conference's main themes will include:

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Next-generation nuclear security paradigms
Radiological environmental protection and public health
Energy transition and sustainability
Nuclear governance and regulatory developments
The relationship between nuclear technologies and society.

A Strategic Step for Public Awareness and International Cooperation

Such meetings, organized to strengthen collaborations in science and technology, not only produce academic output but also play a critical role in public awareness and science communication.

In this regard, NÜKLEUS 2026 will create a significant platform for scientific contributions to Turkey's nuclear technology roadmap.

Preparations for the conference are ongoing with broad participation; details regarding the program, invited speakers, and application process will be announced later.


Scientific studies conducted at the ITU Energy Institute on nuclear technology, radiation safety, materials science, and the interaction between society and energy have been further strengthened by national and international meetings held over the years.