Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (INP ASRU) has officially joined the international consortium formed around the multipurpose fast neutron research reactor (MBIR), currently under construction in Russia.

The MBIR reactor is being built by the state corporation Rosatom at the State Scientific Center — Research Institute of Atomic Reactors in Dimitrovgrad (Ulyanovsk Region), as part of the national project for technological leadership titled "New Atomic and Energy Technologies."

The agreement-signing ceremony took place on 16 July 2025 at the “Atom” Museum at VDNH in Moscow. The document was signed by Vasily Konstantinov, Director General of Consortium Leader LLC “MCI MBIR,” and Ilkham Sadikov, Director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of Uzbekistan.

Vasily Konstantinov emphasized that the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including fourth-generation reactors, plays a vital role in establishing world-class scientific infrastructure. He noted the special role of megascience-class installations such as MBIR, and stated that Uzbekistan’s accession to the consortium expands the potential of both Russian and Uzbek science. The collaboration will enable fundamental research in validating theoretical models, exploring fundamental interactions, and searching for new forms of matter.

He also highlighted that Uzbekistan’s participation alongside the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (which joined the consortium last year), as well as potential partners from China, Belarus, and other countries, strengthens MBIR’s role as a global hub for scientific cooperation. MBIR will also contribute significantly to the training of highly qualified research personnel.

INP Director Ilkham Sadikov noted that the agreement marks a new chapter in scientific cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. He expressed confidence that Uzbekistan’s participation in the consortium will elevate its scientists to the forefront of next-generation nuclear research. Sadikov affirmed the institute’s readiness to actively contribute to the development of innovative solutions, implementation of joint projects, and exchange of scientific expertise with leading laboratories worldwide.

Uzbekistan’s entry into the MBIR consortium represents a major step toward strengthening its scientific potential and integrating into the international research community in the fields of nuclear energy and high technology.