History & Milestones

This page gives an overview of the most important events in the history of SCK•CEN.

On this page you can also download our history brochure that was published on the occasion of the 50 ^th anniversary of the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre. The brochure gives an overview of the evolution of SCK•CEN between 1952 and 2002.

History brochure SCK•CEN (2 MB)

Milestones

1952	The Research Centre for the Applications of Nuclear Energy (STK-CEAEN) is founded.
1953	STK-CEAEN purchases land in Mol.
1954	The construction of technical and administrative buildings is started.
1956	Belgian Reactor 1, BR1, goes critical for the first time.
1957	STK-CEAEN becomes SCK•CEN.
1961	BR2 is put into operation for the first time.
1962	BR3 is used for the first time.
1963	Plutonium-enriched fuel rods are introduced into BR3.
1964	The VENUS reactor goes operational.
1970	SCK•CEN extends to non-nuclear activities.
1974	SCK•CEN begins a research programme to assess the possibilities for storing nuclear waste in deep geological layers.
1986	SCK•CEN collaborates in the post-Chernobyl measurements.
1987	BR3 is shut down and will be the first pressurised water reactor in Western Europe to be dismantled.
1991	VITO, the Flemish institution for technological research is founded.
1995	The EIG PRACLAY (later renamed EURIDICE) is established.
1996	The refurbishment of BR2 is started.
1998	SCK•CEN takes the initiative to integrate human and social sciences into its research programme.
1999	The MYRRHA project is initiated.
1999	The reactor vessel of BR3 is removed.
2001	In collaboration with 5 Belgian universities, SCK•CEN establishes the Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network BNEN for the 'Master in Nuclear Engineering' training.
2002	SCK•CEN celebrates its 50^th aniversary.
2004	The new laboratories for radiobiology, radioecology and space research are inaugurated.
2006	SCK•CEN celebrates 50 years of expertise in dosimetry.
2006	SCK•CEN celebrates the 50^th anniversary of BR1. History brochure 50 years BR1 (4 MB)
2006	Reorganisation of SCK•CEN into three scientific institutes that each study a specific field of nuclear applications. A fourth institute ensures the communication, supporting services and administration. (Organisation Chart)