Toronto, ON – July 21, 2025 – The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is pleased to announce a newly formalized partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). Leveraging AECL’s foundational role in Canada’s nuclear and isotopes industries, CNIC’s membership gains a historic leader, now working in alignment to grow Canada’s isotope leadership. AECL’s membership reflects its continued commitment to advancing nuclear innovation, research infrastructure, and isotope production for national and global benefit.
AECL owns and oversees Canada’s nuclear laboratories through a government-owned, contractor-operated (GoCo) model with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). Through its work, AECL aims to drive nuclear science and technology in support of government priorities, public policy, and economic and environmental stewardship.
With roots dating back to 1952, AECL’s early achievements made remarkable contributions to world health. This includes the development of the CANDU reactor, a uniquely Canadian technology that remains essential to both clean, low-carbon energy generation and the reliable, domestic production of medical isotopes in a changing global supply landscape. AECL also oversaw the operation of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor for nearly 60 years, which provided a major supply of the world’s medical isotopes prior to its retirement.
Today, AECL remains at the center of Canada’s nuclear innovation landscape. Research at AECL labs is actively supporting the next generation of medical isotopes such as actinium-225, a promising alpha-emitting isotope used in targeted cancer therapies, and AECL plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of scientists and engineers who will work across the nuclear sector in Canada.
“AECL’s work helped put Canada at the forefront of innovation when the global isotope industry was in its formative stages,” said James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC. “AECL’s presence at the CNIC table ensures that legacy continues to shape the future, through smart policy, strong partnerships, and shared purpose.”
“AECL is pleased to join the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council” said Dr. Amy Gottschling, Vice President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at AECL. “We are proud of the pioneering role AECL played in the isotope space, and excited to be a part of the next generation of innovation and leadership for Canada”.
The CNIC looks forward to collaborating with AECL as it continues to steward Canada’s nuclear isotope infrastructure, foster scientific advancement, and support the isotope ecosystem through partnerships and strategic vision.
You can learn more about AECL on their website: https://www.aecl.ca/
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 110 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
For more information, please contact:
Melody Greaves
Executive Director & Vice President, Government Relations
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca