International knowledge exchange and collaboration in the heart of Leiden
In April 2026, the annual Research Reactor Conference (RRFM), organised by the European Nuclear Society (ENS), took place in Leiden. This international conference brings together experts from the research reactor sector from all over the world to exchange knowledge, discuss innovations and collaborate on the future of nuclear research. For this edition, Leiden welcomed with over 400 participants from over 40 countries. Organiser Kirsten Epskamp, Secretary-General of the European Nuclear Society, looks back on her experiences of organising the conference in Leiden.
About the congress
The Research Reactor Conference is a leading international event for professionals working in the research reactor sector. The conference provides a platform for scientific exchange, technical discussions and international collaboration. The programme consisted of presentations, technical sessions, networking opportunities and excursions to relevant research facilities in the Netherlands, including sites in Petten and Delft.
According to Kirsten, the conference is not just about sharing specialist knowledge, but above all about building connections. Bringing participants together for several days at a single venue creates a close-knit community where professionals can easily meet, exchange experiences and forge new collaborations.
Leiden as a congress city
When selecting a conference destination, various factors play an important role for ENS: accessibility, proximity to relevant research facilities, suitable conference venues and strong local support. Leiden managed to stand out positively in several areas. Kirsten cites the compact and accessible city centre as one of the major advantages. The international participants appreciated the opportunity to explore the city easily and to meet one another outside the conference programme. The combination of a historic city centre, an academic atmosphere and good transport links made Leiden an attractive destination for an international audience.
Collaboration with local partners also played a key role. The conference was organised at the Hilton Garden Inn Leiden, where the venue's flexibility and willingness to contribute ideas were greatly appreciated. Furthermore, the short lines of communication between the hotel, suppliers and the Leiden Convention Bureau ensured that organisational issues could be resolved quickly and efficiently.
"I''m always on the lookout for reliable partners. As an organiser, I need to be able to adapt quickly and rely on the people around me. In Leiden, that collaboration felt very natural and professional right from the start."
Collaboration with Leiden Convention Bureau
The support provided by the Leiden Convention Bureau played a key role in the preparations for the conference. According to Kirsten, it was the personal approach that made all the difference. During the preparation phase, the Convention Bureua helped to find suitable venues, suppliers and local contacts. Their active support and prompt communication ensured that many organisational processes ran smoothly. For a relatively small organising team, this was a significant added value.
"I organise many of these conferences indepedently. So it's incredibly valuable to have a Convention Bureau that responds quickly, thinks along with me and can put me in touch with the right people."
She also emphasises the importance of a venue where participants can easily mingle with one another. In her view, a compact city like Leiden enhances the conference experience because participants continue to meet up outside the official programme.
"For organisers looking to stage an event in the Netherlands, I would always recommend getting in touch with the local Convention Bureau. They know the city and the partners, and can help you find your feet quickly."