INEST was established in April 2012, founded by Hefei Institutes of Physical Sciences，Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Science and Technology of China，specializing in advanced nuclear energy science and technology and system safety science research. INEST has established Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro and Small Reactor Technology, National Energy Heavy Liquid Metal Reactor R&D Center,Anhui Provincial Nuclear Emergency Professional Technical Support Center , and Institute level Public Technology Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with more than 400 staff and students.

INEST conducts fundamental, forward-looking, and strategic research in the fields related to nuclear energy safety and advanced nuclear energy technology. It has advanced experimental platforms such as Comprehensive Experimental Platform of Liquid Metal Loop and Material,Comprehensive Experimental Platform for High-Intensity Radiation Physics and Detection Technology, Advanced Nuclear Energy System 3D Digital and Intelligent Simulation Laboratory,Comprehensive Experimental Platform for the Lead-Bismuth Zero-Power Physics Facility.

INEST has undertaken over 200 important projects, including the national "973"/"863" plan, national key research and development plan, international thermonuclear fusion experimental reactor (ITER) plan, Strategic Priority Research Programs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the FG Major Engineering Project and etc. INEST has achieved a series of significant scientific research achievements, and has won multiple awards such as the National Natural Science Second Prize, the National Energy Science and Technology Progress Award, and the Anhui Provincial Science and Technology Award,etc.