MPEI and VAST discussed cooperation in small-scale nuclear power engineering

On August 31, 2026, a delegation from the Institute of Physics of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), headed by Professor Le Hong Khiem, visited MPEI. The visit focused on prospects for cooperation in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, including specialist training, the development of research and experimental facilities, as well as joint research.

The Vietnamese side presented an initiative aimed at building the scientific, technological and human-resource capacity needed to advance small-scale nuclear power engineering in Vietnam. Particular attention was given to training specialists in reactor physics and nuclear power engineering, developing experimental research and computational modelling, strengthening nuclear safety expertise, as well as establishing the capacity to independently assess emerging reactor technologies.

MPEI was represented by Andrey Rogalev, Head of the Innovative Technologies for High-Tech Industries Department, Vladimir Kindra, Assoc. Prof. at the same department, Marina Khvostova, Head of the Nuclear Power Plants Department, Vera Ponurovskaya, Engineer at the Nuclear Power Plants Department. MPEI’s Directorate for Integration Policy Development organized the visit.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed possible stages in developing the scientific and human-resource capacity required for future SMR projects in Vietnam. The discussion covered the training of specialists, the application of advanced computational modelling and reactor physics methods, the development of experimental infrastructure, as well as the formation of national research teams.

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The participants also explored opportunities for Vietnamese specialists to study and undertake internships at MPEI, take part in the work of university laboratories, as well as participate in joint research and academic projects.

The Vietnamese colleagues presented their vision for the phased development of this area over a three- to fifteen-year period. Key priorities include building a team of specialists in reactor physics and nuclear engineering, establishing experimental and computational capabilities, developing expertise in safety analysis, and, in the longer term, acquiring the capacity to independently assess small modular reactor technologies. As one practical next step, the parties discussed the possibility of developing an initial joint pilot project.

An important part of the visit was a tour of MPEI’s research and educational facilities. The VAST delegation visited several university laboratories, including the Experimental Reactor Physics Laboratory, which houses a uranium-water subcritical research facility. The facility is used to study the physical parameters of a multiplying medium consisting of natural uranium and light water. It also supports laboratory classes in “Reactor Physics” discipline for students in the “Nuclear Power Engineering and Thermal Physics” direction enrolled in the master’s program in “Physics and Engineering Problems of Nuclear Power Engineering”.

The visit to MPEI’s experimental facilities provided an opportunity to further discuss practical approaches to training specialists in reactor physics, including ways to combine theoretical instruction, computational modelling and experimental research.

Following the meeting, MPEI and VAST confirmed their interest in continuing their cooperation. Promising areas include the training and professional development of Vietnamese specialists, joint research in reactor physics and small modular reactors, cooperation between research teams and the development of specific joint projects.