Global Forum on Nuclear Education Keeps Momentum Alive Amidst Growing Challenges in Sector

Paris, France - November 22, 2024 - Representatives from 17 Council of Advisors member countries gathered at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) headquarters in Paris for the seventh meeting of the Global Forum on Nuclear Education.

Led by Professor Seungjin Kim, Chair of the Global Forum on Nuclear Education, who is also a professor at Purdue University in the United States, the two-day meeting was attended by Vice-Chair Professor Sungyeol Choi from Seoul National University in Korea. The meeting's Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, delivered special remarks highlighting the efforts made so far to bridge gaps in nuclear education and human capacity development.

The agenda covered progress updates from chairs and co-chairs of seven working groups tackling various issues in nuclear education across gender balance, professional skills training, education policy, public dialogue, industry cooperation, public outreach, and nuclear data management.

Among the notable achievements highlighted during the meeting was the completion of the annual Rising Stars Workshop, which took place in Germany on November 25-26. The Council of Advisors reviewed progress reports from new working groups focusing on nuclear energy policy and sustainable development, aiming to address global challenges faced by the sector.

International agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), shared their efforts to develop educational programs with partners in various countries. These presentations strengthened collaborative relationships and facilitated opportunities for effective support in nuclear education and training initiatives.

The meeting also provided a preview of the 2025 Global Forum Symposium, which is scheduled to take place at the University of Michigan in autumn 2025. Professor Todd Allen from the University of Michigan outlined an upcoming draft program incorporating features from previous years' Rising Stars workshops, signifying continued growth in nuclear education efforts.

For more information on the Global Forum on Nuclear Education and its initiative, please visit their website at www.oecd-nea.org or contact them directly via globalforum@oecd_nea.or g.