McMaster joins nuclear not-for-profit Conexus

McMaster is the first academic institution to join as part of the organization’s new Research Reactor Membership category.

January 20, 2026

Two women sit at a table, with papers on the table in front of them. Two men and another woman stand behind them.
As a member of Conexus Nuclear Inc., McMaster joins an international network of nuclear industry experts working together to advance nuclear research, innovation and training. Front row, left to right: Rachna Clavero, President and CEO, Conexus and Susan Tighe, President, McMaster. Back row, left to right: John Preston, McMaster’s Associate Vice-President, Nuclear (Acting); Sarah Charuk, Director of Communications, Conexus; and Gianni Parise, Vice-President, Research at McMaster.

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McMaster University has joined Conexus Nuclear Inc. (formerly CANDU Owners Group Inc.) – a Canadian not-for-profit collaboration hub focused on accelerating nuclear industry growth.  

McMaster is the first academic institution to join Conexus as part of the organization’s new Research Reactor Membership category. The new category creates opportunities for research institutions to contribute to and benefit from nuclear industry innovation and best practices. 

“We’re proud to join Conexus in its mission to accelerate nuclear innovation and drive industry excellence,” says McMaster President, Susan Tighe.  

“McMaster is ready to support the Conexus nuclear community in tackling key challenges and opportunities, while advancing safe, sustainable and impactful solutions for the nuclear sector in Canada and beyond.” 

The membership opens doors for knowledge exchange and fosters collaborative problem-solving between McMaster and fellow Conexus members, which include nuclear researchers, decision makers, operators and utilities, suppliers, industry associations and partners. 

John Preston, McMaster’s Associate Vice-President, Nuclear (Acting) says the membership builds on McMaster’s long-standing history of collaboration with Conexus and the CANDU community. 

“Conexus’ new membership category marks an important move toward a more collaborative and resilient future for nuclear energy and research in Canada and globally,” he says.  

“As the home to Canada’s largest nuclear research reactor, McMaster is proud to be the first academic institution to join Conexus. We look forward to working together to drive discoveries in nuclear energy, safety and medicine, while strengthening Canada’s position as a nuclear research leader.” 

The membership will also introduce new training opportunities for the next generation of nuclear professionals, including reactor operators, nuclear engineers, radiochemists, nuclear technologists and clinical staff. 

“We are thrilled to welcome research reactors like McMaster’s into the Conexus Nuclear collaboration community,” says Rachna Clavero, President and CEO, Conexus.  

“This expansion allows for a powerful synergy, leveraging the unique capabilities of research reactors and the operational experience of our existing members to advance the nuclear sector as a whole.” 

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