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The working group examining long-term competence development in the national nuclear energy sector appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in 2010 published a report in 2012 (OTR2010) in which it offered an extensive review of the human resources, research infrastructure, funding, international research and educational offering in the nuclear energy sector. The objective of this study was to update the data provided in the OTR2010 report concerning human resources in the nuclear energy sector. The results are based on information provided by organisations in the nuclear energy sector in a survey. Due to the survey method, the results should be comparable with those given in the OTR2010 report. All key industry players responded to the survey. Industrial enterprises provided fewer responses than expected; therefore the survey was not entirely comprehensive. The OTR2010 survey was not comprehensive where companies were concerned. According to the survey, the number of experts was 3,807; an increase of 16% from 2010 (3,285). The number of persons with a Master’s degree was 1,895 (50%), with a Bachelor’s degree 1,232 (32%), and with a secondary education qualification 680 (18%). The distribution by years of experience has changed from the previous bimodal pattern (OTR2010), now concentrating around younger experts.The number of experts reported was slightly higher (+2%) than what was the estimate for 2015 in 2010. The estimates in the present survey for need in the near future were clearly smaller than in the previous report for 2020 (-16%) and 2025 (-14%). In terms of the results, the most significant change in the operating environment compared the situation forecast in 2010 is the suspension of the Olkiluoto 4 project. The demand for personnel in 2030 is estimated to be 5% higher than in 2017. The need is estimated to decrease in the near future (3,672 in 2020) and then return on a growth track (3,981 in 2030). The current number of personnel with a Bachelor’s degree or a secondary qualification is expected to be sufficient, whereasthe number of Master’s degree-holders should increase by 10% on the current level. According to the results of this survey, and based on development seen in previous years, it is to be expected that sufficient personnel will be available in Finland in the future. However, in certain competence areas special attention should be paid to the training and induction of junior experts.

This paper describes a theoretically informed Online Inquiry Tool designed to support the exploration of controversial issues on the Internet. The tool’s design is grounded in principles associated with theories of online research and comprehension, argumentation for learning, representational guidance, and cognitive load. The purpose of the tool is to help students organize, monitor, and regulate several complex cognitive activities likely to present challenges during online inquiry. Supports are embedded into the digital tool to help students plan their information search around a controversial issue, identify supporting arguments and counterarguments related to this issue, critically evaluate and synthesize information from multiple sources, and use a filled in representation of what they learned to organize and compose a cohesive essay. peerReviewed

The reliability of computer-based systems implementing safety functions is a critical issue for the modernization and construction of nuclear power plants, in particular because software can usually not be proven to be entirely free of defects. The differences in regulation and safety justification principles between different countries restrict efficient co-operation and hinder the emergence of widely accepted best practices. This paper gives an introduction to an EU FP7 project HARMONICS (Harmonised Assessment of Reliability of Modern Nuclear I&C Software, 2011-2014) which has an overall objective to ensure that the nuclear industry has well founded and up-to-date methods and data for assessing software of computer-based safety systems.

A model of the effect of turbulence generating vanes and its location in a planar contraction for predicting fibre orientation distribution is proposed. Simultaneously with CFD simulations and with experimental data, the non-dimensional rotational dispersion coefficient has been determined for the extended 1D headbox model. Furthermore the behavior of turbulence generating vanes types, i.e. blunt and tapered, and the location of such has been studied. For different streamlines in the contracting channel, the one dimensional fibre orientation distribution model is solved, and the fibre orientation distribution is studied along streamlines near the vane wall and vane tip and further away. The model reveals the effect of the vane tip and the wall boundary layer on fibre orientation distribution. The boundary layer will for both in the plane of paper and in the plane of contraction wider the fibre orientation distributions, i.e the fibres will be less oriented. For the outlet profile of the contraction the fibre orientation distribution will be more effected by the blunt vane tip than the tapered vane tip. The model is validated with experimental results in literature and a good qualitatively agreement was archived. QC 20111116

The Finnish Research Programme on Nuclear Power Plant Safety 2019–2022, SAFIR2022, continues a series of Finnish national research programmes in nuclear energy that started in 1989. The programmes were initially carried out separately in the fields of operational aspects of safety (YKÄ 1990–1994, RETU 1995–1998) and structural safety (RATU 1990–1994, RATU2 1995–1998, OHA 1995–1998), and then in combined programmes (FINNUS 1999–2002, SAFIR2003–2006, SAFIR2010 2007–2010, SAFIR2014 2011–2014, SAFIR2018 2015–2018). Simultaneously research has been carried out in the national nuclear waste management programmes (KYT2022 runs in parallel with SAFIR2022). SAFIR2022 consists of four main research areas: (1) Overall safety and systemic approach to safety; (2) Reactor safety; (3) Structural safety and materials; and (4) Research infrastructure. Research has been carried out in 36 projects that are guided by eight reference groups. The research results of the projects are published in scientific journals, conference papers and research reports.The programme management structure consists of the Management Board, four steering groups managing the research areas, eight reference groups, and programme administration. SAFIR2022 Management Board has representatives of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE), Fennovoima Oy, Fortum, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), Aalto University (Aalto), Tampere University (TAU) and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).Research in the programme has been carried out by VTT, LUT, Aalto, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), TAU and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. A few subcontractors have also contributed to the work in the projects.This report has been prepared by the programme management in cooperation withthe project leaders and project staff.More information on SAFIR2022 can be found on the programme website http://safir2022.vtt.fi/ . Finnish national research on nuclear power plant safety continues in SAFER2028.

The Finnish Research Programme on Nuclear Power Plant Safety 2019–2022, SAFIR2022, continues a series of Finnish national research programmes in nuclear energy that started in 1989. The programmes were initially carried out separately in the fields of operational aspects of safety (YKÄ 1990–1994, RETU 1995–1998) and structural safety (RATU 1990–1994, RATU2 1995–1998, OHA 1995–1998), and then in combined programmes (FINNUS 1999–2002, SAFIR2003–2006, SAFIR2010 2007–2010, SAFIR2014 2011–2014, SAFIR2018 2015–2018). Simultaneously research has been carried out in the national nuclear waste management programmes (KYT2022 runs in parallel with SAFIR2022). SAFIR2022 consists of four main research areas: (1) Overall safety and systemic approach to safety; (2) Reactor safety; (3) Structural safety and materials; and (4) Research infrastructure. Research has been carried out in 36 projects that are guided by eight reference groups. The research results of the projects are published in scientific journals, conference papers and research reports. The programme management structure consists of the Management Board, four steering groups managing the research areas, eight reference groups, and programme administration. SAFIR2022 Management Board has representatives of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE), Fennovoima Oy, Fortum, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), Aalto University (Aalto), Tampere University (TAU) and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).Research in the programme has been carried out by VTT, LUT, Aalto, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), TAU and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. A few subcontractors have also contributed to the work in the projects. This report has been prepared by the programme management in cooperation with the project leaders and project staff. More information on SAFIR2022 can be found on the programme website http://safir2022.vtt.fi

The objective of SEARCH (2019–2022) is to develop methods and tools for assessing technical design solutions related to overall instrumentation and control (I&C) system architectures. A particular focus is on trade-offs between requirements related to safety, dependability and security. We also aim to broaden the scope in which formal methods can effectively be used to verify properties on how the I&C systems operate as a whole. In the first two project years, SEARCH has developed models and methods for early hybrid assessment of safety and security of overall I&C architectures. In addition, we have further developed methods of performing software model checking, accounting for hardware failures and communication delay. We have also developed a practical tool for explaining counterexamples.

The Finnish Research Programme on Nuclear Power Plant Safety 2015–2018, SAFIR2018, continues a series of Finnish national research programmes in nuclear energy that started in 1989. The programmes were initially carried out separately in the fields of operational aspects of safety (YKÄ 1990–1994, RETU 1995–1998) and structural safety (RATU 1990–1994, RATU2 1995–1998, OHA 1995–1998), and then in combined programmes (FINNUS 1999–2002, SAFIR2003–2006, SAFIR2010 2007- 2010, SAFIR2014 2011-2014). Simultaneously research has been carried out in the national nuclear waste management programmes (KYT2018 in parallel with SAFIR2018).SAFIR2018 consisted of four main research areas: (1) Plant safety and systems engineering; (2) Reactor safety; (3) Structural safety and materials; and (4) Research infrastructure. Research was carried out annually in around 30 projects that were guided by six reference groups. The research results of the projects have been published in scientific journals, conference papers and research reports. The programme management structure consisted of the Management Board, four steering groups managing the research areas, six reference groups, and programme administration. SAFIR2018 Management Board had representatives of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE), Fennovoima Oy, Fortum, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Aalto University (Aalto), Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation (Tekes), and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).The research in the programme was carried out by VTT, LUT, Aalto, University of Oulu, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), University of Helsinki (Institute of Seismology, ISUH), University of Jyväskylä, RISE Research Institute of Sweden, Risk Pilot AB, Finnish Software Measurement Association FISMA and IntoWorks. A few subcontractors also contributed to the work in the projects.This report has been prepared by the programme management in cooperation with the project leaders and project staff. More information about SAFIR2018 can be found on the programme website http://safir2018.vtt.fi/. Finnish national research on nuclear power plant safety continues in SAFIR2022 programme for the years 2019–2022, see http://safir2022.vtt.fi/.

The Finnish Nuclear Power Plant Safety Research Programme 2015-2018, SAFIR2018, is a 4-year national technical and scientific research programme on the safety of nuclear power plants. The programme is funded by the Finnish State Nuclear Waste Management Fund (VYR), as well as other key organisations operating in the area of nuclear energy. The programme provides the necessary conditions for retaining knowledge needed for ensuring the continuance of safe use of nuclear power, for developing new know-how and for participation in international co-operation. Major part of Finnish public research on nuclear power plant safety is carried out in the SAFIR2018 programme. SAFIR2018 consist of four main research areas: (1) Plant safety and systems engineering; (2) Reactor safety; (3) Structural safety and materials; and (4) Research infrastructure. Research carried out in the projects is guided by six reference groups. The research results of the projects are published in scientific journals, conference papers and research reports. The programme management structure consists of the Management Board, three Steering Groups managing the research areas, six Reference Groups, and programme administration. SAFIR2018 Management Board consists of representatives of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE), Fennovoima Oy, Fortum, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Aalto University (Aalto), Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation (Tekes), and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM). Research projects of the programme were chosen on the basis of annual call for proposals. The total volume of the SAFIR2018 programme in 2015-2016 was 15,5 M and 112 person years. Main funding organisations were the Finnish State Nuclear Waste Management Fund (VYR) with 9,3 M and VTT with 3,4 M . The research was carried out in 28 projects during 2015 and 2016. The research in the programme has been carried out by VTT, LUT, Aalto, University of Oulu, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Risk Pilot AB, Finnish Software Measurement Association FISMA, and IntoWorks. A few subcontractors have also contributed to the work in the projects. This report gives a summary of the research results of the SAFIR2018 programme during the years 2015-2016. More detailed statistical information of the programme and lists of project publications as well as the members of the Management Group, Steering Groups, and Reference Groups can be found in annual plans and reports on SAFIR2018 website http://safir2018.vtt.fi/.

The Finnish Nuclear Power Plant Safety Research Programme The SAFIR2014 Steering Group, responsible of the strategic alignments of the programme, consisted of representatives of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Ministry of Employment and the Economy (MEE), Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), Fortum, Fennovoima Oy, Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), Aalto University (Aalto), Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM). The research programme was divided into nine areas: Man, organisation and society, Automation and control room, Fuel research and reactor analysis, Thermal hydraulics, Severe accidents, Structural safety of reactor circuits, Construction safety, Probabilistic risk analysis (PRA), and Development of research infrastructure. A reference group was assigned to each of these areas to respond for the scientific guidance and to supervise the projects in the area. Research projects of the programme were chosen on the basis of annual call for proposals. The annual volume of the SAFIR2014-programme in 2011-2014 was approximately 10 M and 70 person years. Main funding organisations were the Finnish State Nuclear Waste Management Fund (VYR) with over 5 M and VTT with nearly 3 M annually. In 2014 research was carried out in 45 projects. The research in the programme was carried out by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Aalto University, University of Jyväskylä, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, and Finnish Software Measurement Association FISMA. A few subcontractors also contributed to the work in some projects. This report gives a summary of the technical results of the SAFIR2014 programme from the entire programme with emphasis on the results achieved during the years 2013-2014. The results obtained during the years 2011-2012 have been reported in detail in the Interim Seminar Report.

The paper summarises the main outcomes of the project carried out in the period 2011-2014. It is a continuation of the material published in the Interim Report of the SAFIR 2014 program (L. Fülöp et al., 2013), with a general shift from hazard prediction towards focus on qualification of systems, structures and components (SSC's). This shift resulted from the progress of the project. Still, some seismology related conclusions are refined compared to the previously published data, and this paper should be considered the definitive conclusion of the project. The paper briefly presents topic areas studied in the project: (1) preliminary description of high quality near-field data recorded in 2012 from the Kouvola earthquake swarm, (2) a ground motion prediction equation (GMPE) proposal for mid magnitude earthquakes and recommendation of GMPE's to be used for high magnitude events, (3) results of a deaggregation study focused to north of Finland, (4) results of sensitivity modelling for a generic reactor building subjected to earthquake loads expected in Finland and (5) challenges concerning equipment qualification. Conclusions are given briefly after each topic, but the reader is directed to the project reports for in-depth understanding.

The planning of wood supply to pulp and saw mills at Stora Enso in Finland involves multiple optimization models, of which we discuss the short-term transportation models. The inputs to the optimization models are harvest plans on the supply side and mill production plans on the demand side. The overall goal is to transport thousands of batches of timber to dozens of mills as cost-effectively as possible. The planning proceeds in stages: First, harvested batches of timber are combined into units of truckloads. Second, the truckloads are assigned to truck, rail or water transport to mills. Finally, truck routes are planned and scheduled in order to arrange the deliveries of the truckloads. The three optimization problems are combinatorial in nature and are addressed by heuristic tabu search and mixed-integer linear programming. We give an overview of the models and our solution approaches, and discuss experiences from production use.