Abstract:
The nuclear sector in Canada is at an inflection point. What ten years ago was a sector in decline, is now thriving with potential to solve some of Canada and the world’s biggest challenges – climate change, energy needs and improve patient outcomes. Talk about winding down of nuclear power plants and medical isotope production has shifted toward major commitments to double large scale nuclear energy capacity, demonstration and deployment of small modular reactors, and a thriving and national distributed medical isotope ecosystem. This panel brings together representatives from across the nuclear science and technology ecosystem to answer key questions about how this sector is working to address social challenges and generate economic prosperity through innovation. The panelists will also explore policy topics to better position Canada for success in these areas.

Summary of Conversations

The panel explored nuclear innovation’s role in clean energy, health, and environmental waste sectors, emphasizing Canada’s leadership potential. Discussions highlighted opportunities in medical radioisotopes (theranostics), fusion energy, and waste repurposing. The importance of tritium expertise and Can-do reactors in isotope production and fusion fuel was noted. Challenges included scaling production, supply chain optimization, workforce development, data strategy, and regulatory efficiency. Panellists underscored the need for a unified message from the nuclear sector to policymakers, advocating for a holistic approach to assess the socio-economic impact of federally funded programs. Examples included Actinium-225 production from old brachytherapy machines and synfuel production using tritium separation technologies.

Take Away Messages/Current Status of Challenges

• Nuclear energy is experiencing a resurgence due to the need to address climate change, energy security, and advancements in medical radioisotopes. 
• Canada possesses unique tritium management and Can-do reactor technology expertise, positioning it as a key player in the global fusion industry and isotope production. 
• Significant private sector investment in fusion energy highlights its potential, but a formal Canadian fusion strategy is currently lacking. 
• Scaling up medical isotope production to reduce costs and improve patient access remains challenging, particularly for treatments like lutetium PSMA. 
• Workforce development across all areas, from scientists to engineers to skilled trades, is a bottleneck for realizing nuclear ambitions. 
• Data sharing challenges and privacy concerns hinder the effective use of health research data for AI applications in theranostics. 
• Regulatory burden and approval processes for novel drugs, especially molecularly targeted therapies, must be optimized. 
• There is a recognized need for more research reactors to provide essential capabilities to support aerospace and scientific research.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Develop a clear, concise, and consistent science-based message to government policymakers to promote nuclear innovation. 
• Formulate a formal Canadian fusion strategy to attract investment and foster public-private partnerships. 
• Create a hub of innovation to integrate nuclear facilities, cyclotrons, academic researchers, and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council. 
• Establish a robust data strategy to leverage health research data and facilitate AI applications, while addressing privacy concerns. 
• Streamline regulatory processes for novel drugs and molecularly targeted therapies to accelerate approval. 
• Invest in workforce development programs to address the shortage of highly qualified personnel in nuclear medicine, engineering, and related fields. 
• Explore the potential for a new research reactor to support long-term operation and innovation in the nuclear sector. 
• Promote increased data collection and communication to better support all stakeholders in this space.