Progress report for
World Nuclear University
Achievement at a glance
The applications of nuclear and radiation technologies directly contribute to SDGs 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 17. World Nuclear University (WNU) is a growing global network of 76 institutions committed to education, training and leadership development for the nuclear energy, radioisotope production and radiation technologies sectors, and actively contributes to the realization of these SDGs.With the founding supporters International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), OECD/Nuclear Energy Agency, World Nuclear Association and World Association of Nuclear Operators, WNU facilitates cooperative links between companies, industries, nations, and different areas of the nuclear and radiation technologies sectors.
Since 2003, WNU has provided people with the experiences and perspectives required to lead effectively. The Summer Institute (SI), is an annual leadership development programme, preparing future industry leaders and decision-makers for their roles in clean electricity production. Similarly, the School on Radiation Technologies (RT School) prepares future leaders in applications of ionizing radiation in medicine, industry and agriculture.
WNU fosters the innovation necessary for progress in these sectors. WNU Alumni join Networks for Nuclear Innovations to collaborate on innovative solutions to important issues in their industries. Other programmes (individual coaching for high-level executives, national workshops, effective communications, and Nuclear Olympiad) target specific gaps in these sectors.
WNU programmes have welcomed 8000 participants from 90 countries - from the nuclear industry, regulatory agencies, research centers, academia, medical and industrial facilities, noting an increased women's participation over time. Networking and sharing the latest knowledge are at the core of WNU programmes, and are instrumental in ensuring the intersectional and global mindset required by leaders to realize the SDGs.
WNU publications are well-regarded internationally as authoritative reference texts for these sectors. WNU social media engagement and reports provide regular updates on specific achievements and the results of collaborative work. See more at https://www.world-nuclear-university.org/publications.
Challenges faced in implementation
Effective leadership and communication in the nuclear and radiation technologies sectors are of critical importance to secure public trust and confidence. This is paramount in utilizing these technologies to realize SDGs 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 17. WNU is challenged with not only addressing the needs of future leaders through leadership and communication skills development, but in predicting which skills will be necessary over the coming years.When implementing programmes, WNU has to identify and adapt to challenges unique to the nuclear and radiation technologies sectors. These are in areas such as effective use of nuclear technologies to save lives and optimize industrial process, commissioning of radioactive waste repositories; nuclear development projects, particularly relating to adherence to budget, construction plans and safety standards; management of the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure security of supply; effective regulatory regimes and enforcement of the non-proliferation regime. WNU tailors teaching materials and methods to the skills required by professionals in addressing such issues.
The global nature of these issues challenges WNU to operate on a truly global scale, and facilitate collaborative leadership and knowledge transfer. WNU has approached this challenge by continuously broadening its international collaboration network. WNU also purposefully varies the host countries for training programmes such as SI and RT School, in addition to organizing regional workshops, to reach the widest group of participants and encounter the widest range of perspectives.
Digitalisation and the move to Industry 4.0 is a great opportunity for the education and training sector. However, it is a challenge in itself to prepare the adequate environment for tacit knowledge transfer, through traditional teaching methods and emerging ones, and through networking and relationship-building between peers and industry leaders.
Beneficiaries
The knowledge, networks, and perspectives gained by WNU programme participants are developing the nuclear, radiation technologies and radioisotope production sectors – including industry, medicine, agriculture, nuclear fuel cycle installations, supply chain, research centres, regulatory agencies, policy making, and academia.
This contributes globally to meeting development objectives in areas such as energy, human health, food production, water management and environmental protection.
Actions
WNU has taken specific action to make its programmes (https://www.world-nuclear-university.org/programmes) widely available, and now reaches about 700 professionals annually in about 40 countries. This is achieved in part by the continuous expansion and diversification of the WNU Network, details of which can be found here: https://www.world-nuclear-university.org/about-usWith the help of its network, WNU strives for training excellency, information sharing, diversity, and equal opportunities in its programmes. Additionally, WNU regularly conducts evaluation surveys to check its effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.