Niras: safe management of radioactive waste in Belgium

In late 2024, Wieni partnered with NIRAS, the Belgian authority responsible for managing nuclear and radioactive waste, to design and develop niras.be — a transparent and accessible platform delivering essential information to citizens, professionals, and local communities.

NIRAS protects and will continue to protect people and the environment from the dangers of radioactive waste, not only today but for a very long time in the future.

Who is NIRAS

NIRAS oversees the safe and long-term management of radioactive substances in Belgium. The agency ensures environmental protection, public safety, and transparency through research, regulation, and guidance. NIRAS also actively engages local communities and stakeholders to build trust and understanding around its projects.

How did Wieni help?

NIRAS needed a modern website that could communicate complex technical content in a clear, structured, and accessible way. Together, we created a platform that strengthens their public communication and supports their role as a transparent, science-driven organization.

Wieni delivered:

• A full brand-aligned design and UX process

• Development using Next.js and TypeScript for stable and high-performing pages

• A DatoCMS setup with modular content blocks for flexible, self-managed publishing

• A multilingual setup across four domains (NL, FR, DE, EN)

• A news and documentation library with downloadable reports, maps, and progress updates

• Integrations with Flexmail (newsletter subscriptions), Cookiebot (cookie consent), and GA4 (analytics)

• Continuous support and performance monitoring for stability and compliance

Five highlights

1. Modular content system
   With DatoCMS, NIRAS editors can build structured pages using reusable blocks — including timelines, maps, and technical content — without developer assistance.

2. Comprehensive information hub
   The platform gathers all relevant documentation, research reports, and project updates in one central library, helping different audiences stay informed.

3. Accessible and multilingual by design
   Each language version (NL, FR, DE, EN) is hosted on its own domain, ensuring clarity and compliance for a diverse national audience.

4. Fast, robust frontend
   Powered by Next.js and TypeScript, the site performs well under heavy content loads and delivers a consistent user experience across all devices.

5. Transparency and trust
   The design prioritizes readability and plain language, helping NIRAS communicate technical topics in a way that builds understanding and credibility.

Results

Since its launch in 2025, niras.be has grown more than ever as the central information hub for radioactive waste management in Belgium. The platform helps NIRAS publish new research, document progress, and engage citizens through clear and factual communication.

Curious about how we help public institutions communicate complex topics? Explore our work with De Ambrassade and DNS Belgium.

Let's work together!

Interested in a collaboration? Send a mail to Wietse.