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Institute of Physics Researcher Completes Specialization in Nuclear Reactor Operation

November 26, 2025
A high-angle shot (looking down) showing the interior of the nuclear reactor tank. The pool is filled with transparent water having an intense bright blue hue. Long pipes and metal rods are observed descending vertically from the surface to the reactor core, which is visible at the bottom of the pool along with submerged mechanical structures. In the foreground, outside the water, yellow metal beams, cables, and a large industrial floodlight framing the top of the image are visible.

Institute of Physics researcher, Mariella Mateo Villanueva, successfully completed her participation in the "Research Nuclear Reactor Operator Course" , a high-level program designed to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities .

In the image, researcher Mariella Mateo Villanueva is seen standing in a technical environment, looking at the camera with a slight smile and her hands clasped. She is wearing a white lab coat over a lilac blouse and black pants. Behind her is a large gray vertical panel labeled 'VENTILACION EDIFICIO REACTOR RP-10' (RP-10 Reactor Building Ventilation). This panel contains a schematic diagram with flow lines, indicator lights, and a control button panel with red, green, and blue controls. To the right of the image, on a desk, a computer monitor displaying monitoring graphs can be seen, along with a notebook and a red fire extinguisher mounted on the back wall.

The training, which recently concluded following its practical phase at the Nuclear Center, aimed to train operators under the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) and the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) .

The academic program was conducted in two stages starting last September :

  1. Theoretical Phase: Comprised 84 academic hours in a virtual modality, covering fundamentals of reactor physics, thermohydraulics, regulations, and radiation protection .

  2. Practical Phase: Concluded last week with 48 academic hours of in-person experimental training . This included approach-to-critical maneuvers, accident analysis, and radioisotope production at the RP-10 Reactor .

With the completion of this course, the researcher has strengthened her competencies in informed decision-making and safety culture, which are key aspects for the development of nuclear technologies in the scientific field .