As an effective, low-carbon, and sustainable energy source, nuclear energy has tremendous development potential in the context of tackling global climate change and the “dual carbon goals.” The nuclear energy industry is going through a significant and profound transformation, starting with the widespread use of third-generation nuclear reactors, followed by the technological advancements in fourth-generation nuclear reactors, and finally the move of nuclear fusion reactors from laboratory research to engineering validation.

The political responsibility for nuclear safety should be firmly assumed by us, and we should make sure that the project is completed by meticulous, careful, practical, and rigorous methods. The economic feasibility of nuclear power has emerged as a crucial element for the industry’s ongoing growth, given the safety foundation’s complete stability. The cost of nuclear power generation is now subject to stricter criteria due to the continuous decline in the cost of renewable energy. Engineering validation is desperately needed for the value of important innovations like long-life design, fuel assembly performance enhancements, and modular construction. Future nuclear power development will focus on collaborative innovation and the integration of the entire industrial chain.

The deep integration of intelligent technologies is driving significant changes in the nuclear industry. Digital transformation has affected every stage of the nuclear energy lifecycle, and the widespread use of digital technologies like artificial intelligence and the industrial Internet will greatly improve the safety, reliability, and sophistication of nuclear power. The interaction between digital technology and nuclear energy will become increasingly prominent.

As a result, we recognize the vital role that industry scientists and engineers play. We are excited to announce the launch of the international journal, “Research & Design of Nuclear Engineering,” driven by a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. This journal aims to compile global achievements and insights in nuclear engineering, providing an open, professional, and innovative platform for academic exchange that supports the development of the nuclear industry, advancements in nuclear technology, nuclear engineering contracting, and fundamental research in nuclear science and technology.

We encourage authors to submit research on both fundamental theories and applied technologies in this field, including case studies and analyses, with an emphasis on innovative findings that have potential engineering applications. We warmly invite colleagues from academic institution and industry to contribute their latest research findings in nuclear engineering research and design. Furthermore, this journal is committed to an efficient and fast peer review and open access publishing model. The editorial board will include excellent scholars in the nuclear engineering to ensure journal’s quality. Research & Design of Nuclear Engineering looks forward to collaborating with global experts and scholars, maintaining a rigorous academic approach and an open, innovative spirit to create a platform for fundamental studies, engineering practices, and industrial applications in nuclear engineering.

The scope of this journal includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

• Nuclear Reactor Engineering

• Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials

• Next-Generation Reactors and Advanced Reactors

• Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection

• Design of Nuclear Power Plants

• Nuclear Chemistry Engineering (Spent Fuel Reprocessing, Radioactive Waste Management, and Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities)

• Engineering General Contracting, Supervision, Consulting, Quality and Safety, and Project Management in Nuclear Power Engineering

• Comprehensive Utilization of Nuclear Energy

• Interpretation of and Research on Nuclear Industry Policies and Trends.

© The Author(s) 2025. Published by EDP Sciences and China Science Publishing & Media Ltd.