SITEX
Network
Sustainable network for Independent Technical EXpertise on radioactive waste management
News & Events
Joint Event recap – SITEX.Network’s 8th General Assembly and Topical Day 2025
Recap of the Joint Event: SITEX.Network’s 8th General Assembly and Topical Day 2025 We are thrilled to share the highlights of the successful joint event hosted by the SITEX.Network, which combined the 8th General Assembly (G.A. n°8) and the Topical Day 2025 on the...
French Program – Technical review of the operational safety of the Cigéo project
ASNR, the new French Authority established in January 2025 with the fusion of IRSN (Technical Support Organisation) and ASN (Regulator) has released its technical review of the license application submitted by Andra, the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste...
Call for Contributions for the third Interdisciplinary Research Symposium on the Safety of Nuclear Disposal Practices
BASE has recently announced the Call for Contributions for the third Interdisciplinary Research Symposium on the Safety of Nuclear Disposal Practices (safeND). More information below if you are interested in participating: Call for Contributions The Federal Office for...
Our vision
The purpose of SITEX_Network is to enhance and foster cooperation at the international level in order to achieve a high quality Expertise Function in the field of safety of radioactive waste management, independent from organizations responsible for the implementation of waste management programs and waste producers, aiming at supporting the Nuclear Regulatory Authorities, as well as the Civil Society.
Membership
SITEX_Network is open to any institution or individual party having interest in independent regulatory assessment of RWM activities and willing to join us, to proactively contribute to the achievement of SITEX_Network vision and objectives. Members belong to one out of three colleges (Technical Expertise Function, Regulatory Function, Civil Society Function), according to their specific function. There is also possibility to be a Member of the Associated Group, which consists of institutions or individuals interested in specific SITEX_Network topics, supporting SITEX_Network vision and objectives.
R&D related activities
Programmed via a SITEX_Network Strategic Research Agenda and Deployment Plan, development, or contribution to, high quality R&D project proposals, coordination or facilitation of participation in international projects (e.g. European Joint Programming), or of joint research within the network, guidance and advice to organizations fulfilling an Expertise Function in initiating R&D activities related to waste management safety.
Activities related to Safety Case Review (SCR) methodology and practices
Exchanging on guidance and requirements, when appropriate formulating position papers or harmonizing approaches and practices (e.g. development of safety case reviewing tools, review approaches benchmarks, etc.).
Training activities
Development of professional capabilities, preparation and delivery of training programmes at European level for generalist experts and about specific technical domains, that may include training courses, seminars, workshops, visits to disposal facilities sites and underground research facilities, safety case review exercises.
Knowledge exchange
Providing a forum for information exchange and sharing data among Members; contributing to knowledge exchange across generations, supporting Less Advanced RWM Programmes).
In order to carry out activities, Thematic Working Groups (WG) may be established to elaborate particular technical or “coordinated and support” activities.
Interactions with Civil Society (CS)
Work on how to promote efficient interaction with CS: establishing principles and ways for the dialogue and transparent information between the Expertise Function and the CS, strengthening knowledge and skills, adapting culture and practices of the Expertise Function and the CS to accommodate the active contributions of CS, acting in complement to Waste Management Organisations where public expects an independent view on its scientific and safety concerns and expectations.
Interaction with international entities
Organize interactions with international entities involved in regulatory activities (e.g. WENRA, ETSON, ENSREG, ENEN, IAEA, OECD/NEA) or in implementing activities (e.g. IGD-TP): possible interactions could be dissemination, consulting for harmonization of the existing regulations and guidance, regular informing of the progress and outcomes.
Members
Founding members
Benefits
The added value to other existing Technical Support Organisations (TSOs) and regulator’s networks is seen in bringing together different categories of contributors to end-users of the expertise, such as TSOs, Research Entities (REs), Nuclear Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Civil Society (CS) Stakeholders. This will ensure a plurality of views in all foreseen SITEX_Network activities and on radioactive waste management (RWM) safety as this plurality is considered as a way forward to build a strengthened and comprehensive Expertise Function. In general as a most significant can be seen as follows: (i) Competence building; (ii) Joint research work and use of resources; (iii) Exchange of experience and methodologies; (iv) Joint work on strategies; (v) Support of national programmes independently of their stage; (vi) Training and Knowledge transfer; (vii) Help to fulfil the national obligation of the Council Directive 2011/70/EURATOM.