On 27 November 2025, a Letter of Intent was signed in Dubna between the Institute of Nuclear Physics (RSE INP) of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The signing took place during the official visit of the RSE INP General Director Sayabek Sakhiyev to JINR. The document lays the foundation for the joint development and creation of a high-intensity ultracold neutrons source based on the WWR-K Research Reactor in Kazakhstan.

At the meeting preceding the signing, the INP General Director emphasised the particular importance of the project for his country. “Today, not only me and the employees of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, but the whole of Kazakhstan is looking at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research with great hope”, Sayabek Sakhiyev said. “The implementation of this initiative will be a massive step for the advancement of international scientific cooperation”.

JINR Director Grigory Trubnikov noted the successful development of the Institute of Nuclear Physics in recent years and expressed deep gratitude for Kazakhstan’s valuing and supporting such innovative projects as the ultracold neutrons source.

According to the agreement, the cooperation is planned to be implemented in several stages, which include the development of the UCNS concept, a scientific programme, and a detailed roadmap for the project. After the initiative is approved by the Governing Bodies of the Joint Institute, the main agreement will be signed, which will officially launch joint work on the creation of a new research infrastructure in the INP.

In conclsion of the meeting, the parties discussed the festive events dedicated to the 70th JINR anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Astana Branch of the Institute of Nuclear Physics that will take place in 2026. Grigory Trubnikov and Sayabek Sakhiyev expressed confidence that the future joint project will become an important point of interest for scientists from all over the world.