Speaker
Description
The FRM II research reactor has been shut down since March 2020 due to a series of technical issues. Initially, the cold neutron source was found to be defective and subsequently removed. Later, inspections identified problems with the reactor's central channel, which must be replaced before operations can resume. According to the current project schedule, the replacement is planned for 2027.
To ensure a successful restart, the entire FRM II instrument suite must be ready when reactor operations resume. However, the status of the 36 instruments varies considerably. While many instruments were fully operational during the last reactor cycle, several have undergone upgrades of varying scope during the shutdown period, and eight instruments are entirely new installations.
In January 2026, our team was tasked with collecting first-hand information from the instrument responsible scientists and the central technical groups to provide MLZ management with a comprehensive overview of the readiness of the instrument suite. The objective was to support strategic decision-making and optimize the allocation of limited resources, maximizing the number of reliable instruments available for the first user cycle following the reactor restart.
This contribution presents the methodology developed to assess instrument readiness, coordinate information from multiple stakeholders, and support management decisions. It also discusses the key challenges encountered and the lessons learned during this process, which may be relevant for the restart planning of other large-scale scientific facilities following extended shutdowns.
Key Words
Instruments, Management, Planning, Decisions, Strategy