JINR Development Strategic

The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) presents its Strategic Plan for the Institute’s long-term development until 2030 and beyond. JINR sees itself as an integral part of the global family of unique scientific laboratories worldwide. Membership in this community obliges the Institute to maintain the highest standards in its scientific agenda, demonstrate visionary foresight, adopt prudent planning practices, value collaboration, and—most importantly—support the people engaged in scientific research. In this context, conceptual work on a long-term scientific plan—the core of the Strategic Plan—began in 2017: an international working group comprising world-renowned experts was established. Recommendations from this group and its seven specialized subgroups defined the key scientific directions JINR will pursue in the future: low-energy nuclear physics, relativistic heavy-ion and spin physics, particle and high-energy physics, neutrino physics and astrophysics, condensed matter and neutron physics, radiobiology and astrobiology, nuclear medicine, theoretical physics, and information technologies and high-performance computing. The experts faced an ambitious and responsible task: to identify the most compelling scientific directions in physics today and in the foreseeable future.

Implementation of this document has already begun: in 2020, JINR’s Scientific Council and the Committee of Plenipotentiary Representatives of the JINR Member States’ Governments endorsed the Strategic Plan’s concept and instructed JINR’s Directorate to continue strategic planning by developing the next seven-year development plan.

JINR’s overall strategy is aimed at strengthening cooperation within our shared international scientific community. Close alignment will be established both with national research strategies and priorities of JINR member countries and with the European Strategy for Nuclear Physics, the European and Global Strategies for Particle Physics, as well as global strategies in astrophysics, biophysics, neutron research, and the Big Data Initiative.

The Strategic Plan addresses not only “pure science” but also critical aspects of scientific collaboration, human resources, the social environment, digitalization and administration, innovation policy, and a monitoring and indicator system—essential components that shape the development of a modern international intergovernmental scientific organization. All these issues became the focus of active discussions within JINR’s expert-analytical working group in 2020.

On behalf of JINR’s Directorate, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our colleagues from JINR member states and around the world who contributed to the preparation and approval of this document. We now face a new challenge: to collectively pursue these ambitious goals. Your continued comprehensive support is warmly appreciated.

G. V. Trubnikov
Director of JINR

The Seven-Year Development Plan of JINR for 2024–2030 sets priorities in core areas of fundamental science where the Institute holds leading positions. The scientific program is based on synergies among large-scale experimental facilities, theoretical support, and advanced information technologies.

JINR continues to develop its unique model of international collaboration, integrating fundamental, applied, and innovative research within a multidisciplinary framework. Key scientific directions encompass nuclear physics, relativistic heavy-ion physics, particle and neutrino physics, astrophysics, neutron research, radiobiology and astrobiology, theoretical physics, and information technologies.

• Low- and Intermediate-Energy Nuclear Physics — synthesis and study of superheavy elements (SHEs), research on exotic nuclei and multi-nucleon transfer reactions, searches for the “island of stability,” and investigation of mechanisms for synthesizing new nuclides at the limits of nuclear stability;
• Relativistic Heavy-Ion Physics and Spin Physics — exploring the QCD phase diagram, searching for the critical point and mixed phase between quark-gluon and hadronic matter in experiments at the NICA megascience facility, and studying the spin structure of nucleons using polarized beams with the SPD detector;
• Particle and Neutrino Physics — participation in Large Hadron Collider experiments (ATLAS, CMS, ALICE), searches for physics beyond the Standard Model, studies of hadron structure and exotic multiquark states, as well as involvement in international neutrino experiments (JUNO, DUNE, Hyper-Kamiokande);
• Astrophysics and Multi-Messenger Astronomy — expansion of the Baikal-GVD neutrino telescope to an effective volume of 1 km³, integration with ground- and space-based detectors (TAIGA, LIGO/Virgo, Einstein Telescope), and searches for dark matter and ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrinos;
• Condensed Matter Physics and Neutron Physics — modernization of the IBR-2 pulsed neutron reactor and development of the new IBR-3/DNS-IV neutron source, offering unprecedented flux density and time resolution;
• Radiobiology and Astrobiology — modeling galactic cosmic ray effects, studying central nervous system damage in primates, developing hadron beam therapy methods, and synthesizing prebiotic compounds in experiments simulating chemical evolution;
• Theoretical and Mathematical Physics — supporting all experimental programs through lattice QCD computations, nuclear theory, quantum gravity, string theory, and cosmology;
• Information Technologies and High-Performance Computing — building a unified IT ecosystem, implementing artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, and big data analytics, and supporting global computing infrastructures (WLCG, FAIR, NICA Computing).

Developing research infrastructure remains a central objective of the Seven-Year Plan. JINR continues implementing megascience projects while simultaneously launching new initiatives that address global challenges in modern fundamental science. All facilities are designed to maximize accessibility for users from member states and the international scientific community and to enable integration into global research networks.

NICA Project

The NICA megaproject is JINR’s flagship facility in relativistic nuclear physics. Full-scale commissioning of the NICA collider and MPD and BM@N detectors for studying high-density baryonic matter is scheduled for 2024–2026. The SPD detector for spin physics using polarized proton and deuteron beams will be commissioned in 2026–2027. Between 2027 and 2030, the accelerator complex will undergo upgrades to achieve design luminosity and expand the physics program. Dedicated beamlines for applied research—materials science, radiobiology, and nuclear waste transmutation—will also be established.

• Full-scale launch of the NICA collider and MPD/BM@N detectors — 2024–2026
• Commissioning of the SPD detector for spin physics — 2026–2027
• Accelerator complex upgrades to achieve design luminosity and expand the physics program — 2027–2030
• Creation of dedicated beamlines for applied research: materials science, radiobiology, nuclear waste transmutation.

Superheavy Element Factory / DRIBs-III

The Superheavy Element (SHE) Factory, based on the DC-280 cyclotron, offers record-breaking efficiency for synthesizing new elements. Full-scale operations will begin in 2024. Construction of Class 1 radiochemical laboratories will be completed by 2025. Between 2025 and 2030, the synthesis of elements with Z = 119 and 120 and measurements of their masses and lifetimes are planned. Simultaneously, the U-400M/U-400R accelerators will be upgraded to study exotic nuclei and multi-nucleon transfer reactions.

• Full-scale operation of the DC-280 cyclotron and separation facilities — from 2024
• Completion of Class 1 radiochemical laboratory construction — 2025
• Research on synthesis of elements 119 and 120, and measurements of SHE masses and lifetimes — 2025–2030
• Upgrades of U-400M/U-400R accelerators for studies of exotic nuclei and multi-nucleon reactions.

Rare Isotope Collider Facility (RICF)

The RICF project is a new flagship initiative in nuclear physics, positioning JINR as a global leader in exotic nuclei and nuclear astrophysics. Technical design will be finalized by 2025, construction will begin in 2026, and first beams are expected by 2030. RICF will generate intense secondary beams of rare isotopes for spectroscopy, mass and lifetime measurements, and nuclear reaction studies. The project complements the global network of nuclear physics centers (FAIR, FRIB, RIKEN, GANIL).

• Completion of technical design — 2025
• Start of construction — 2026
• First beams — 2030
• RICF will secure JINR’s central role in the global network of nuclear physics centers (FAIR, FRIB, RIKEN, SPIRAL2).

Neutron Sources

The usage of the IBR-2 facility for physical experiments is planned until 2040-2042. During the operational period, the reactor’s safety-critical equipment and systems will be regularly updated. At the same time, a conceptual proposal for a new pulsed neutron source with significantly improved flux density and time resolution is being developed, creating promising research opportunities in condensed matter physics, biosystems, and fundamental neutron physics.

• Comparative analysis of various options for a new pulsed neutron source to select the optimal one (2026-2027).
• Theoretical and experimental studies of the dynamic properties of the IBR-2 Reactor (until 2040).
• Consideration of the results of these works when developing a new neutron source (2027-2040).

Baikal-GVD and Astrophysics

The Baikal-GVD neutrino telescope will reach an effective volume of 1 km³ by 2027. It will become a key component of the global neutrino detector network and will integrate into multi-messenger astronomy together with TAIGA, LIGO/Virgo, and the future Einstein Telescope. JINR also participates in the international DUNE (USA) and Hyper-Kamiokande (Japan) experiments.

• Achieving an effective volume of 1 km³ — 2027
• Integration with TAIGA, LIGO/Virgo, and Einstein Telescope in the framework of multi-messenger astronomy.
• Participation in DUNE (USA) and Hyper-Kamiokande (Japan).

Particle Physics and Relativistic Heavy-Ion Physics

JINR maintains strong positions in leading international collaborations, contributing to experiments at world-class accelerators. Participation in external projects is based on mutual benefit and scientific significance, with an emphasis on data analysis, detector upgrades, and searches for new physics. Concurrently, JINR implements its own NICA-based program, complementing the global agenda in QCD and nucleon spin structure.

• ATLAS/CMS (HL-LHC) — detector upgrades, data analysis, searches for BSM physics;
• ALICE, NA61/SHINE, COMPASS-2 — QCD matter studies;
• FAIR (CBM, PANDA) — hadron spectroscopy, searches for exotic states;
• NICA/MPD — high-density baryonic matter;
• NICA/SPD — nucleon spin structure, polarization effects.

Nuclear Physics

JINR’s nuclear physics program focuses on synthesizing and studying nuclei at the limits of existence, including superheavy elements and exotic isotopes. Particular attention is paid to mechanisms of new nucleus formation, searches for new forms of radioactivity, and nuclear reactions relevant to nuclear astrophysics and applied research.

• Synthesis and study of SHEs at the limits of nuclear stability;
• Investigation of multi-nucleon transfer reactions and exotic decays (2n-, 4n-radioactivity, two-proton radioactivity);
• Development of rare isotope beam programs (ACCULINNA-2, RICF);
• Neutron nuclear physics, fundamental neutron properties, symmetry violations.

Condensed Matter Physics

Neutron studies of condensed matter remain a JINR priority. The IBR-2 reactor will be used in the near term alongside development of the new DNS-IV source, ensuring JINR’s continued leadership in this field. Research covers novel materials, nanosystems, biological objects, and quantum phenomena.

• Utilization of IBR-2 until end of operational life;
• Establishment of a new neutron research center based on IBR-3/DNS-IV;
• Studies of novel materials, nanosystems, biological objects, and quantum systems;
• Development of nonlinear and coherent neutron optics methods.

Radiobiology and Astrobiology

Radiobiological research at JINR addresses space radiation safety and the advancement of radiation therapy techniques. Astrobiology develops as an interdisciplinary field, integrating physics, chemistry, and biology to address questions on the origin of life.

• Modeling space radiation using the Nuclotron and NICA;
• Studies of CNS damage in primates;
• Development of ion-beam radiation therapy methods;
• Synthesis of prebiotic compounds under hadron beam irradiation;
• Creation of a dedicated beamline for biological sample irradiation.

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics at JINR is closely integrated with experimental programs and addresses fundamental problems in QCD, nuclear physics, gravity, and mathematical physics. The Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics remains one of the world’s leading centers in these fields.

• Support for experimental programs (NICA, LHC, FAIR, Baikal-GVD);
• Lattice QCD computations, hadron spin structure;
• Nuclear theory and exotic systems;
• Condensed matter and nanostructure physics;
• Quantum gravity, string theory, cosmology;
• Strengthening the Dubna International Advanced School of Theoretical Physics (DIAS-TH) as a hub for international education.

Information Technologies

IT infrastructure development is critical to advancing all scientific directions. JINR is building a unified digital ecosystem that integrates supercomputing, grid, and cloud technologies with artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

• Development of the MIVC supercomputing center and HybriLIT platform;
• Integration of HPC, HTC, cloud, and grid technologies;
• Implementation of AI/ML, Big Data, and quantum computing;
• Creation of digital twins of facilities;
• Participation in WLCG, FAIR Data Services, and NICA Computing.

Education

JINR continues to play a key role in training highly qualified personnel for member states. Educational activities are integrated with scientific projects and aim to develop the next generation of researchers, engineers, and specialists.

• Admission of students and postgraduates from all member states;
• Summer schools, workshops, internships;
• Development of the Higher Engineering School at Dubna University;
• Support for young scientists through the JINR Young Scientists’ Association;
• Participation in European and global educational initiatives.

Innovation Activities

JINR’s innovation policy focuses on knowledge and technology transfer to member states. A key priority is establishing the International Innovation Center for Nuclear Physics Research, consolidating efforts in nuclear and radiation medicine, materials science, and radioisotope production.

Establishment of the International Innovation Center for Nuclear Physics Research:

• DC-140 cyclotron — for materials science and track-etched membranes;
• Superconducting p-cyclotron (230 MeV) — for hadron therapy;
• Rhodotron (40 MeV) + radiochemical laboratory — for production of ²²⁵Ac, ^99mTc, and other radiopharmaceuticals;
• Advancement of quantum technologies, hydrogen energy, and microgravity research;
• Technology transfer to member states.

Human Resources and Social Policy

Sustainable JINR development requires attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel. The Institute strives to ensure competitive employment conditions, career advancement opportunities, and social welfare, fostering a comfortable, safe, and multicultural environment in Dubna.

• Competitive compensation and career progression system;
• Recruitment of leading scientists and young specialists;
• Development of mentoring and scientific schools;
• Ensuring a comfortable, safe, and multicultural environment in Dubna;
• Support for families, housing, children’s education, and healthcare.

Financial Provision

Financial sustainability of the Seven-Year Plan relies on a comprehensive resource mobilization approach. Core funding comes from regular and targeted contributions from member states, supplemented by grants, contracts, and joint programs with international partners.

• Regular contributions from member states (with annual indexing);
• Targeted contributions to flagship projects (NICA, RICF, Baikal-GVD);
• Grants, contracts, and extrabudgetary sources;
• Joint programs with national agencies and the EU.

Implementation Monitoring

Implementation of the Seven-Year Plan includes regular monitoring based on “top-level” indicators covering scientific output, infrastructure uniqueness, personnel stability, and international engagement. Assessments involve independent international experts and consider adjustments to the Thematic Plan as needed.

• Scientific output (publications, patents, discoveries);
• Uniqueness and demand for research infrastructure;
• Participation in international collaborations;
• Personnel training;
• Innovation impact;
• Personnel stability and JINR’s attractiveness as an employer.

Monitoring will be conducted annually with input from international experts and adjustments to the Thematic Plan as necessary.