The IAEA is assisting countries to develop strategic plans for the long-term sustainability of their research reactors or alternately to decommission the shut down reactors. This includes helping countries identify their reactor’s present and potential future capabilities.

Through strategic planning and other support, the IAEA is also encouraging facilities that have become, or are developing into, "regional centres of excellence," where a single research reactor can be utilized by a number of neighbouring countries. The research reactors can be used for co-operative research programmes and training within the region, in addition to carrying out its own training and research on the development, safety and reliability of fuel for its nuclear programme.

Many aging research reactors, however, will not survive in this tough new environment. Reluctance to shut down and decommission is understandable. But it has to be done and the IAEA stands ready to help, especially in the area of planning.