Research Reactor Safety

At Penn State, safety is the foundation for everything at the Breazeale Research Reactor Facility.  Designed as a research and education reactor, operations emphasize robust engineering, shielding, and continuous monitoring to protect students, staff, and the surrounding community.  The reactor is housed in a deep, water-filled pool that both cools the reactor core and acts as a shielding barrier, while operation is conducted under strict federal licensing and oversight.  With over 70 years of safe operation, and a commitment to research, education, and service, Penn State has demonstrated how nuclear science can be pursued responsibly – prioritizing people, the environment, and trust.

Building upon this experience and knowledge, Penn State has entered into a collaboration with Westinghouse Electric Company to develop microreactor technology, making clean and constant energy possible – anywhere.  Known as the FRONTIER (Forging a Renaissance of Nuclear Through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research) Program this partnership represents a step forward in advancing nuclear innovations.  The FRONTIER Program will include research for advancing the technology, work force development, and the development of the eVinci® microreactor design to be potentially used as a research reactor.

EHS provides a suite of programs and services to ensure the safety and health of the community while supporting the goals of the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, the Radiation Science and Engineering Center, and the FRONTIER program. These include general health physics operations and services, training, radiation and contamination monitoring, oversight and review functions, regulatory (licensing) support for certain activities, and emergency and incident response services.