Strengthening nuclear education and training initiatives at the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

The Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework, launched by the NEA, is making significant strides in addressing crucial gaps in nuclear skills capacity building, knowledge transfer, and technical innovation on an international scale.

The recent ninth meeting of the NEST Management Board, held on 15-16 April 2024, saw NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, open the meeting with enthusiasm for the continued growth of the NEST Framework. The meeting also welcomed the imminent formalization of membership for the Netherlands and Poland, marking a significant expansion of the initiative.

During the meeting, NEST Project leaders provided updates on their respective projects, showcasing the progress being made in nuclear education and training initiatives. A NEST Fellow shared her positive experience from the NEST PANDA Project in 2023, highlighting the impact of the program at the Paul Scherr Institute (PSI).

Efforts to broaden the reach of the NEST Framework were also discussed, with proposals to expand the initiative, facilitate the launch of new NEST Projects, and redefine the role of NEST Fellows. Plans for future NEST activities, including an upcoming SMR workshop at McMaster University in June 2024, and the inaugural NEST Awards Ceremony were also on the agenda.

The NEST Framework continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of nuclear education, science, technology, and policy, with the upcoming events set to celebrate the achievements of past and present NEST Fellows and mark the 5th anniversary of the initiative.