The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) is the first critical nuclear research reactor in Jordan, and is one of the strategic national projects implemented by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) as part of its vision to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in Jordan.
The JRTR is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose nuclear research facility located on the campus of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Ar-Ramtha city, Irbid Governorate, for enhancing the integration of academic research with practical application. Designed and built by a South Korean consortium led by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and DAEWOO company for engineering and construction, and commissioned in December 2016, the JRTR is a 5 MW thermal research reactor, and was designed for a future upgrade to 10 MW.
The JRTR represents an advanced platform for training and scientific research, contributing to the development of national infrastructure and capacity building in the field of nuclear applications.
It is equipped with advanced irradiation and experimental facilities, including neutron beam ports, hot-cell laboratories, a radioactive waste management unit, and a full-scale reactor simulator.
The reactor serves as Jordan’s primary hub for nuclear science education, offering hands-on training for students, engineers, and operators, and strengthening the country’s technical workforce. It also plays a pivotal role in producing critical medical radioisotopes such as iodine-131 and holmium-166, meeting the needs of Jordanian hospitals and contributing to regional and international supply chains.
It was established to be utilized for conducting various nuclear applications, including Education and Training (E&T), Research and Development (R&D), Radio-Isotope Production (RIP), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), Neutron Transmutation Doping (NTD) for the electronics industry, Neutron Beamlines (NBs) investigations, and many others.
Designed and operated under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards, it incorporates modern control and passive safety systems and benefits from regular peer reviews to ensure operational excellence. By combining cutting-edge capabilities with a strong safety culture, the reactor represents a pivotal milestone in Jordan's journey toward acquiring and developing peaceful nuclear technology and enhances Jordan's position as a regional center of excellence in nuclear research and training.
Beyond its national significance, the JRTR is an international resource, fostering cooperation in peaceful nuclear technology, enabling knowledge exchange, and positioning Jordan as a leader in nuclear research and training in the Middle East."