Sharpening the focus: Defining research needs in a resource-constrained environment

Disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste (HLW) poses numerous scientific and engineering questions. These can form the basis both for extensive research and related technical activities, and for long-lasting, often contentious, interactions among the various parties who have an interest in nuclear waste disposal. One might argue that, in an ideal world, all such questions would be answered before decisions were made regarding siting, design, construction, and operation of a repository for disposal of HLW. However, practical limitations -- typically, financial resources and time -- constrain how much research can be conducted. In the face of such constraints, intervenors may challenge the completeness and adequacy of the research performed in support of such decisions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the agencies responsible for developing and licensing a repository to objectively determine critical research needs and to satisfy those needs. This paper describes three complementary methods which have been implemented by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to help focus research activities within its HLW program, and provides examples and preliminary results of their use to ensure the necessity and sufficiency of research that is undertaken in support of that program. The authors specifically examine the application ofmore » these techniques in support of the regulatory agency, which has the uniquely challenging role of defining that subset of research which is required to fulfill its review, inspection, and licensing roles.« less