REGIONAL RESOURCE UNITS (RRU)

 

 
   
Introduction [back]
The concept of a Regional Resource Units (RRU) was developed to recognise that in RCA Member States, the national and international investments to establish and improve nuclear science and technology have often developed across the region in pockets of high level scientific and technical expertise, based around their investments in manpower and equipment. These resources have generally not being acknowledged for their achievements and more importantly have not being utilised to any significant degree for the benefit of the RCA Programme. The introduction of RRUs into the RCA programme was seen to have the potential to make a significant increase in TCDC; to increase the sustainability of nuclear science and technology at a regional level for Member States; to increase the "ownership" of projects by Member States; and as a cost effective mechanism to deliver project activities.
Definition [back]

The definition of an RRU was agreed as follows:

    • a well-established expert group within a national organization, normally a NNRI;
    • being in either a developed or developing Member State;
    • being able to exercise a leadership role in projects/part projects through having high quality capabilities (e.g. analysis, tracer services, etc.) which are available for use within the region;
    • attuned to the needs of technology end-users, such as local companies, government organisations, etc.;
    • able to carry out IAEA contracts, provide "hands on" training for other Member States (TCDC), assess project proposals, etc.

 
Criteria [back]

The criteria for RRUs should include:

    • willingness to share in regional activities;
    • scientific excellence in a technique (publication record, modern equipment, standards of measurements, etc);
    • a suitable number of trained staff;
    • sufficient ongoing projects to ensure that skills are regularly used and updated;
    • part of a well-supported national programme; administratively well-supported within their NNRI.