Jordanian researchers will have access to the research reactors and ancillary facilities of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission following the recent signing of a partnership agreement with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission.

The OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency - together with the International Atomic Energy Agency - plans to publish new guidance on improving cost estimates of nuclear decommissioning projects. Simon Carroll, a senior analyst with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, told delegates at the Nuclear Decommissioning & Waste Management Conference Europe that the guidance addresses project risk and uncertainty in cost estimates "in a more comprehensive fashion" than existing practice.

A roadmap for the effective transfer of knowledge from the existing operators of China's Daya Bay nuclear power plant to future operators has been drawn up with the assistance of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's Technical Cooperation program has made "a valuable contribution to development", the agency's director-general Yukiya Amano yesterday told a conference to mark the program's 60th anniversary.

International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards inspectors have verified the correctness and completeness of the United Arab Emirates' initial inventory of nuclear material. The strategic document was prepared by the country's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

The Czech Republic has significantly enhanced its regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in recent years, but work remains in implementing the country's new Atomic Act, a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded.

Authorities in Greenland have carried out robust safety and security preparatory work for a possible rare earth and uranium mine, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Yukiya Amano noted during a visit to the country.

The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority has moved a step closer to the restart of its TR-2 research reactor, which was shut down in 2009 and converted to use low-enriched uranium fuel. A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency carried out an Integrated Safety Assessment of Research Reactors follow-up mission between 25 and 28 April, which concluded that several safety improvements to TR-2 have been implemented.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has released an updated version of its self-assessment tool for countries to check whether their nuclear regulatory infrastructure is in line with IAEA safety standards.

The Swedish framework for physical protection and computer security at nuclear power plants, other nuclear facilities and for nuclear material in transport continues to show good progress, an International Atomic Energy Agency report concludes following a mission there last year.

The UK government needs to work closely with industry to bring about replacement arrangements for the European Atomic Energy Community in a timely manner for the country's nuclear industry, the Nuclear Industry Association says in a position paper published today. The NIA represents more than 260 companies including nuclear power station operators, new build developers and vendors, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, supply chain and consultancy companies.

A group of experts has made recommendations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the sustainable and safe operation of research reactors. "Ageing management and effective utilisation are major challenges for operators of research reactors," the IAEA said.