TORONTO, ON – March 21, 2025 – Since its establishment in 2018, the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) has brought Canadian and International organizations from the nuclear, healthcare, and radiopharmaceutical sectors together to expand access, increase production, and explore partnerships in nuclear isotope research and innovation. Today, SCK CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, joins the growing contingent of international organizations within the CNIC’s membership.
SCK CEN has been at the forefront of international nuclear research since 1952, with expertise in radiobiology, radiochemistry, dosimetry, and radiopharmacy. Its dedicated institute on Nuclear Medical Applications includes over 100 professionals focusing on the preclinical research and development of radiopharmaceuticals, providing an on-site radiopharmaceutical ecosystem to promote innovation within the sector. SCK CEN is also home to the BR2 research reactor, which can produce 10 to 15 different isotopes per cycle and supports the diagnosis and treatment of over 11 million patients annually.
Despite its longstanding leadership, SCK CEN continues to innovate. Strategic infrastructure investments such as the Centralized Radiochemical Facility, which will be operational in 2027, will help support research and innovation by ensuring a reliable supply of GMP quality radioisotopes, including n.c.a. lutetium-177 and other promising next-generation isotopes.
“We are proud to join the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council as its first Belgian partner. This membership recognizes our global role in nuclear medicine, spanning from production of radioisotopes to the preclinical development of radioligand therapy. This network connects us with like-minded organizations all sharing the ambition to promote innovation in nuclear medicine and – most importantly – to ensure that more and more patients worldwide always have access to these life-changing treatments. Together, we can tackle the fight against cancer more effectively and bring life-saving solutions to those who need them most,” said Koen Hasaers, Director Nuclear Medical Applications at SCK CEN.
“With this announcement, SCK CEN and the CNIC embark on a new international collaboration to support research and innovation in isotopes across borders,” said James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC. “Like many other CNIC members, SCK CEN has been a global leader in nuclear and isotope research for generations, and this new opportunity to collaborate will help support our shared goal of increasing access to life-changing radiopharmaceuticals around the world.”
As the voice of the Canadian isotope industry on the international stage, and with this growing network of global collaborators, the CNIC is working to solidify Canada’s position as a global leader in this sector. As part of this leading global role, the CNIC is committed to working with its Canadian and international partners to improve access to cancer care around the world. Earlier this month, the CNIC announced the signing of a new Practical Arrangements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to address the disparity in access to radiation medicine for cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.
By taking advantage of the CNIC’s extensive network within Canada’s nuclear medicine sector and the international isotope community that includes leading companies like SCK CEN, we can ensure patients around the world gain access to lifesaving nuclear medicine treatments and diagnostics for cancer.
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 100 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or please contact:
Melody Greaves
Executive Director and Vice President, Government Relations
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca
About SCK CEN – 70 years of experience in nuclear research and technology
SCK CEN is one of the largest research institutions in Belgium. Every day, more than 900 employees dedicate themselves to developing peaceful applications for radioactivity. SCK CEN’s research activities focus on three main areas: innovative nuclear systems, nuclear waste management and dismantling and the resolute fight against cancer. SCK CEN is world-renowned and shares its knowledge through countless publications and training courses, so that this pool of exceptional competence can be maintained.
For more information, visit www.sckcen.be, or please contact:
Wendy De Groote
SCK CEN
pers@sckcen.be
+32 (0)14 33 21 49