The Materials at Extremes Nuclear Research Institute (MAX-Nuclear) is helping position Canada at the forefront of global clean energy innovation. As a leading university-based hub for nuclear materials research, we bring together world-class expertise to address the challenges of today while developing the technologies needed to power a net-zero future.
Through collaboration across universities, government, industry, and international research networks, MAX-Nuclear is advancing safe and sustainable nuclear technologies. Our research helps protect the integrity and extend the life of Canada's existing reactor fleet while pioneering the materials breakthroughs needed to enable the next generation of nuclear energy.
Driving nuclear innovation
MAX-Nuclear is dedicated to advancing knowledge on how existing and emerging materials perform under the harsh conditions found in current and next-generation nuclear reactor environments. Our research strengths include corrosion of materials, structural materials, computational modelling of materials, and fundamentals of radiation effects.
Learn more about our researchA cutting-edge research facility
Located in Kingston, Ontario, the Reactor Materials Testing Laboratory (RMTL) is a state-of-the-art facility that houses a proton and helium accelerator to introduce radiation damage and transmutation products into materials, mimicking the changes to materials occurring in a nuclear reactor. By studying the effects of this damage on the way that materials behave, we gain insight on and draw parallels with the way that materials are damaged within a nuclear reactor.
Learn more about RMTLPowered by our people
Supported by a Senior University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) Research Chair in nuclear materials and a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in the Impact of Radiation on Energy and Advanced Technologies, our institute brings together faculty, students, staff, and research professionals to advance knowledge and innovation across nuclear energy, materials science, safety, and energy policy. Together, they contribute to a collaborative environment where emerging researchers are trained, new ideas are developed, and research is translated into impact.
Learn more about our teamResearch news from the Queen's Gazette
May 25, 2026
The making of a made-in-Canada energy future
As Canada looks to expand nuclear energy, Queen’s researcher Laurent Béland is helping to bolster the people and the technology for our energy future.
Jan 13, 2025
Five things you need to know about small modular reactors
Nuclear energy researchers Mark Daymond and Suraj Persaud explain how this new technology can help us tackle climate change.
Mar 15, 2024
Transforming nuclear materials for a greener future
The Gazette sits down with Yanwen Zhang, the second Canada Excellence Research Chair to join Queen’s this spring.