The World Nuclear University Summer Institute – a forum for nuclear knowledge transfer and leadership

Abstract

The World Nuclear University (WNU) is a global partnership of nuclear learning institutions, founded in 2003 by the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). The mission of this new university is to enhance global nuclear education, foster communication and build leadership in nuclear science and technology. The annual Summer Institute, the most advanced of a series of programmes being developed by the WNU Coordinating Centre, is a global academy to build knowledge and perspectives for a new generation of nuclear leaders. It covers a wide range of technical, political, environmental and social issues surrounding a broad expansion of peaceful applications of nuclear technology. There are now 367 fellows from 58 countries who have completed this WNU initiative. An outstanding group of speakers from all around the world share their knowledge on a wide range of topics, demonstrating a personal commitment to professional expertise and a strong sense of purpose to transfer valuable knowledge to the younger generation. This article provides an overview of the WNU and its Summer Institute programme, including the role of the latter in knowledge preservation and building future leadership for the nuclear industry.