The main goal of the VR-1 nuclear experimental center is to offer research and development capacities in the form of open access to those interested in conducting basic and applied research in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy. The research infrastructure is a key cutting-edge experimental facility for the teaching of nuclear engineering in the Czech Republic, as well as for research and development work in nuclear fields, especially in the field of studying the safe operation of nuclear facilities, theoretical and experimental reactor and neutron physics, nuclear safety and the nuclear fuel cycle. One of the important aspects of research work at the center is the use of neutron applications, e.g. neutron activation analysis or neutron imaging for multidisciplinary nuclear research with natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. As a large research infrastructure, the VR-1 Nuclear Experimental Center follows the research infrastructure of the VR-1 Reactor, which has been providing open access since 2012.
The operation of the large research infrastructure, the VR-1 Nuclear Experimental Center, is supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic from funds for the support of large research infrastructures. In the period 2023-2029, the VR-1 nuclear experimental center is supported through the project LM2023073.