BNCT research facility at MARIA reactor - Numerical models and preliminary measurements

In NCBJ, Poland a new laboratory for BNCT research is being constructed at MARIA reactor. In the first phase it will provide a thermal neutron beam for experiments with cellular samples and small animals. In the next step, a converter will be mounted to provide fast neutron beam. Beam shaping assembly will moderate the beam to epithermal energies allowing for irradiation human phantoms. The laboratory infrastructure as well as radiation shielding of the laboratory are being designed using MCNP6 software. •A Beam Shaping Assembly with neutron converter and neutron filter is under construction.•Monte Carlo simulations were used to design the shielding and evaluate radiation conditions in the laboratory rooms.•Radiological and beam measurements with TLD, NAA and active detectors were performed in the irradiation room.