From 23 to 25 April 2025, the final workshop of the ACES H2020 project took place in Linkebeek, Belgium. The event brought together more than 60 participants, including consortium members, project partners, and end users from Europe, Canada, and Japan, to mark the formal conclusion of this five-year research initiative.

The ACES project—short for Assessment of Concrete Structural Integrity and Durability for Safe Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Plants—has been dedicated to improving the understanding of ageing processes in concrete infrastructure and enhancing methodologies for its long-term assessment. During the three-day workshop, the outcomes of Work Packages 2 to 5 were presented, offering an in-depth look at the project’s key findings and innovations.

Participants engaged in technical sessions and lively discussions that highlighted both scientific progress and the practical implications of the research for the safety and performance of nuclear power plants across different contexts. The event also provided an important forum for sharing experience between European and international stakeholders and for discussing future directions in the field.

Beyond the technical content, the workshop was also a celebration of five years of intensive collaboration. Many participants reflected on the strong professional bonds formed during the project and the value of cross-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation in addressing complex challenges related to nuclear safety.

We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors for their commitment and enthusiasm, and especially to Project Coordinator Miguel Ferreira for his exemplary leadership throughout the project.

The ACES consortium is proud of what has been achieved and looks forward to building on this foundation in future collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening the safety and resilience of nuclear infrastructure.