GLOBAL RESEARCH DYNAMICS AND KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURE OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY (2021–2025): A COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT USING SCOPUS AND VOSVIEWER
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Abstract
Nuclear technology has advanced rapidly in response to global decarbonization goals, energy security needs, and innovations in reactor engineering and computational methods. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric assessment of nuclear technology research from 2021 to 2025 using Scopus data and VOSviewer mapping. The analysis examines publication trends, leading contributors, thematic clusters, and emerging research frontiers. Results show a consistent rise in research output, with accelerated growth after 2022 driven by geopolitical energy disruptions and strengthened climate commitments. China and the United States lead global contributions, supported by major institutions such as the Idaho National Laboratory, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, MIT, and KAERI. Keyword co-occurrence mapping identifies eight dominant clusters, including advanced reactors, materials and fuel cycles, safety and radiation protection, nuclear–renewable integration, fusion systems, machine learning applications, biomedical nuclear imaging, and nuclear-enabled desalination. Highly cited publications emphasize the influence of interdisciplinary research, particularly artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and innovative fuel-cycle strategies. Despite these advances, gaps remain in techno-economic integration, cybersecurity preparedness, sustainable fuel-cycle development, and the deployment of nuclear desalination in developing regions. Future work should strengthen AI-supported safety systems, digital twin applications, hybrid nuclear–renewable frameworks, and holistic fuel-cycle sustainability assessments.
Keywords:
Advanced reactors, Bibliometric mapping, Digitalization, Fuel cycle sustainability, Nuclear technologyReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yoyok Dwi Setyo Pambudi, Sumantri Hatmoko, Rahmat Fajar Hidayatullah, Lu’lu Saniyyatus Sholehah, Az-Zahra Salshabila, Hafizah Rahma Alyani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
