The NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy (the Global Forum on Nuclear Education) is a framework for sustained co-operation and for enabling a long-term dialogue among academic institutions, policymakers and key stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector and civil society worldwide. Since 2021, the Global Forum on Nuclear Education has used creative problem-solving to help confront some of the most significant challenges in nuclear education and human capacity.

The goals and objectives of the Global Forum on Nuclear Education are to:

• Identify good practices, facilitate shared activities, and co-ordinate joint programmes to advance nuclear science and technology, education, and policy.
• Conduct studies and analyses related to the future of the nuclear sector with particular focus on academic and human capital issues.
• Hold periodic symposia to highlight the Forum’s work and provide a venue for experts from academic institutions, as well as other stakeholders, to identify emerging issues and creative solutions related to the strategic areas identified.                                                                               
       

Background

Over the years, the NEA has had little direct engagement with academic institutions that are responsible for developing the next generation of nuclear science and technology experts. Furthermore, these academic institutions lack a global platform to exchange experiences and co-operate towards common goals.

To address these gaps, the NEA has established its Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy (the Global Forum on Nuclear Education) in partnership with academia to provide a platform for sustained co-operation amongst academic institutions, policymakers and key stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector and civil society.

When it entered into force on 28 January 2021 the NEA Global Forum was the newest addition to the 14 Global Forums then operating within the OECD. Since then, the NEA has achieved a number of key accomplishments, including: three Global Commencements for nuclear technology graduates organised during the COVID-19 pandemic; the first-ever Rising Stars workshop; three successful country-specific nuclear education workshops; and a report on The Perception of Science, Risk and Nuclear Energy, based on the completion of an international survey.

Added value and benefits

The Global Forum on Nuclear Education dually contributes added value to the NEA and the nuclear community by:

• Positioning the NEA as the premier forum for international co-operation and dialogue on nuclear education and related areas of science, technology, and policy.
• Leveraging the impact of ongoing NEA initiatives related to innovation, human capital development, and engagement with stakeholders to the benefit of both academic institutions and the NEA member countries themselves.
• Providing organisations and universities from NEA member countries with a framework for global co-operation and engagement.