Speaker
Description
Effective knowledge transfer is essential for sustaining national nuclear programmes and ensuring the safe, secure and efficient deployment of nuclear technologies. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supports its Member States in building and maintaining technical competencies through a comprehensive suite of digital platforms, training mechanisms and collaborative frameworks. These include face-to-face training courses and workshops, as well as online learning, fellowship programmes and schools on various nuclear-related topics.
A core component is the IAEA ´support of knowledge transfer and competence building represent portfolio of e learning modules Online Courses | International Atomic Energy Agency, which offer structured, accessible training on different topics, spanning from nuclear energy production, nuclear safety, nuclear analyses, nuclear fuel cycle, predisposal waste management, disposal solutions, decommissioning strategies and environmental remediation. These online courses complement national training programmes and help establish a consistent baseline of knowledge across diverse member state technical communities.
The development of technical documents, as e.g. IAEA Nuclear Energy Series (NE Series Publications advanced search | IAEA) documents supports Member States by offering methodologies, technology aligned approaches and internationally recognized lessons learnt and best practices for waste characterization, packaging, storage, treatment, disposal and remediation. These documents capture global experience and serve as key references for national frameworks, project planning and regulatory compliance.
Member States also benefit from Technical Cooperation (TC) projects Nuclear technology for development used safely, peacefully, securely | IAEA, which enable hands on capacity building, expert missions, training schools and procurement support tailored to national needs. IAEA supports also Member states with peer review services, as e.g. ARTEMIS or INIR missions.
Collaboration and peer learning are further enhanced through the Agency’s technical networks. The DISPONET network fosters the exchange of practical experience on low level radioactive waste disposal; the Underground Research Facility (URF) Network connects underground labs, dedicated to deep geological disposal; LABONET supports characterization and analytical laboratories; and ENVIRONET strengthens expertise on environmental remediation. These networks provide platforms for sharing lessons learned, developing harmonized approaches and advancing innovative solutions.
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) aims to help increase the number of women in the nuclear field. Its goal is to inspire and encourage young women to pursue a career in the nuclear field, by providing highly motivated female students with scholarships for master’s programmes.
Looking ahead, the IAEA will continue to support global knowledge exchange through the conferences such as the International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation, planned for November 2027, which plans to bring together technical experts, policy makers and operators to discuss emerging challenges and future directions.