Nuclear Energy for a Cleaner Future: Celebrating 80 years since the first nuclear reactor experiment

ENEN2plus participants

The NEA took part in the ENEN2plus project which aims to address the key challenges of energy security and climate change through training and education on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear reactor experiment. (Photo credit: ENEN2 plus)

Addressing the key challenges of energy security and climate change will require training a new generation of researchers and experts, including in nuclear energy. The ENEN2plus project, funded by the European Union, seeks to do just that through training and education.

Nuclear Energy for a Cleaner Future (available to watch), was an online event organised in the frame of the ENEN2plus project on 2 December 2022, which marked the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the criticality of the Fermi Pile - the world's first experiment to prove an atomic chain-reaction could be self-sustaining in 1942 at the University of Chicago.

The event was attended by more than 200 participants and brought together leading experts in the field who provided insights on the origin of nuclear fission.

The event included two online experiments from two research reactors, the BME Reactor in Budapest and the JSI Reactor in Ljubljana. A presentation also explored the various career opportunities available for graduates.

Antonella di Trapani, Head of Nuclear Education, participated in the event and delivered a short presentation on how the NEA Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework is trying to address skill gaps, build competence in technology and innovation development and facilitate knowledge transfer to younger generations.

NEST Fellows will benefit from the NEA’s participation in the ENEN2plus project in developing their skills and through greater interaction with all stakeholders.

For more information on the NEA’s NEST programme visit here.

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