Preface

Since being established in June 1956, the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, JAERI, has pioneered comprehensive research and development activities associated with nuclear energy and radiation science. It is a center of excellence for these fields.

In the field of R&D of nuclear energy systems, JAERI has striven to develop future generation nuclear energy systems, such as the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor, HTTR, and nuclear fusion including participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, ITER, and has conducted continuous research directed toward nuclear safety and radiation safety in and around nuclear facilities.

JAERI also has engaged in the fields of comprehensive radiation science and its evolution, quantum beam technology, and in advanced basic research to further the progress of science and technology. These fields cover:
1. Radiation applications utilizing various types of high-quality ion-beams in the Takasaki Ion accelerators for Advanced Radiation Applications, TIARA facility, and electrons and gamma-rays in other radiation facilities at the Takasaki establishment,
2. Neutron science exploring the structures and functions of materials by utilizing the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, J-PARC (under construction) as well as research reactors,
3. Synchrotron radiation studies using the 8-GeV Super Photon ring, SPring-8, and advanced photon research including X-ray laser development, and
4. Advanced computational science research.

Through its participation in these R&D activities, JAERI has been a world-class contributor to science and technology, which as greatly enhanced Japan's international presence. Moreover, JAERI has made available its unique facilities, including test reactors, research reactors, and particle accelerators to researchers from domestic and overseas universities and other institutions for cooperative research in a magnitude of important fields.

For the past decade, JAERI has annually published the series, "Persistent Quest," to publicize its outstanding progress. The topics in each issue were prepared to be interesting and easy to understand with the goal of acquainting readers with the R&D activities of JAERI. With this final issue published by JAERI, we hope that you have become more familiar with the activities of JAERI.

JAERI and the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) will be merged into a new independent agency named the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, JAEA, on October 1st, 2005. From its start, JAEA will make every effort to retain and enhance its capabilities as an international center of excellence for the research and development of nuclear science and technology by fully utilizing the roles, accomplishments, and R&D capabilities attained and contributed by its parent institutes.