Attracting and retaining more women into careers in the physical sciences and technology, as well as enhancing the conditions and prospects for women and girls at every stage of their education and development is an important goal that many NEA member countries are pursuing. In support of these efforts, the NEA is working with its members to explore new and creative approaches to improve gender balance in the nuclear science and technology arena. As part of this priority, the NEA hosted a live discussion on 28 May 2020, bringing together young professionals and key leaders in the nuclear field from around the world.
The online dialogue started with a Young Generation Panel chaired by Dr Fiona Rayment, Executive Director of the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO) and Chair of the UK’s Nuclear Skills Strategy Group (NSSG). This was followed by a Leadership Panel chaired by NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV and featuring executives from regulatory, industry and research organisations:
Leadership Panel
- Adriènne Kelbie, Chief Executive, United Kingdom Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
- Marie-France Bellin, Chairperson of the Board, French Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), and Professor of Radiology, Paris-Saclay University
- Marilyn Kray, President, American Nuclear Society (ANS)
Young Generation Panel
- Kate Peters, Environmental Program Officer, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
- Lucie Pheulpin, Engineer-Researcher, French Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN)
- Anastasiia Zherebilova, Project Manager, Rosatom Technical Academy
- Danielle Trembath, Safety Case Advisor, United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)
All speakers shared their experiences in nuclear science and technology, and then explored how governments, research bodies, and the private sector can help improve the representation of women in all spheres of the nuclear sector. A video recording of the event is available here: