(Low-energy means nuclear.)  

They had a research reactor for producing neutrons and such, studying energy levels in excited states in atomic nuclei, both stable and unstable.  

If I understood correctly, this was background to test models targeted at the Island of Stability--heavier elements that might exist or that might be created, beyond the existing elements and beyond the gap of impossible elements.  

They were pretty hands-on:  Technicians ran the reactor, but they set up their own equipment (lead bricks, detectors, computer cables)--which meant they were in and out of the reactor building more or less daily.  

The Fates are kind.