The International Nuclear Institute (INI), with the IAEA’s support, has brought together 28 promising graduate students and young professionals from 16 Member States for a four-week summer program in nuclear science and technology.
Designed to provide comprehensive approaches to reactor physics analysis of nuclear systems and prepare students for the future needs of the profession, the INI program held from 3-29 June, offered experiential learning supported by subject matter experts in reactor physics, engineering, management, economics, safety and security and non-proliferation.
“I decided to participate in INI 2018 due to its rich offering of research laboratory visits and networking opportunities with young professionals,” said course participant, Filip Osusky, an engineer at the Institute of Nuclear and Physical Engineering, at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. “The presentations and exercises focusing on human error and high-risk decision making have been particularly valuable. I will be able to incorporate what I learned here into my research.”
Roberto Lopez Solis, an engineering student from Mexico, said: “The opportunity to interact with expert lecturers and networking with colleagues from around the world has been indispensable.”
The INI is organized to promote long-term sustainability of nuclear power program and infrastructure through capacity building, global dialogue and technical engagement in the field of nuclear science and technology and nuclear power reactor technology.
The programme is a joint initiative between the U.S.-Czech Civil Nuclear Cooperation Centre (CNCC) in Prague and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell (UML). With major contributions from the United States, the INI is supported by the IAEA technical cooperation programme* with funding from the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI), which the IAEA launched in 2010 to support unfunded technical cooperation projects in the areas of peaceful application of nuclear technology.
“Our support for this institute, the result of strong cooperation between the Czech Technical University and the University of Massachusetts, is just one part of our many initiatives for ensuring energy security, supporting economic development, and encouraging technology and innovation,” said the United States’ Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Stephen King.
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* Through IAEA TC project INT2018: Supporting Knowledge Decision-making and building capacities to start and implement nuclear power programmes and project RER0035 – Supporting Enhanced Sustainability of Programme Activities.
