Fresh ideas for nuclear energy education
A shortage of high-level graduates in the nuclear field has been indicated by international bodies representing the industry. The European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) association has combined forces with four universities and two research centres to tackle this challenge.The resulting initiative is the EU-funded project 'ENEN cooperation with Russia in nuclear education, training and knowledge management' (ENEN-RU). Linking with high-level Russian stakeholders in the nuclear sector, the project aims to enhance bilateral nuclear energy activities in the three target areas for benefit to both regions. With this in mind, the project team analysed the nuclear energy landscape in the EU and Russia, defining barriers and opportunities for collaboration. It aimed to harmonise education and training programmes between both regions at master's degree level, as well as for post-graduate education and in relation to training for young professionals. In specific, the project focused on nuclear engineering, aiming to implement the European system of transferring academic credits to facilitate exchange programmes. At a nuclear power plant safety and personnel training conference held in Russia in 2011, the project conducted a workshop to discuss mutual recognition of educational credit systems. It agreed on how to achieve this key objective, in addition to clarifying and validating access rules and procedures. Under a newly established strategy for long-term cooperation, the project has established several mechanisms to complete credit harmonisation. It also enhanced training possibilities through the European Fission Training Scheme (EFTS) to give higher education access to Russian graduates and experts, designing pilot education and training courses as well. Benefits of the ongoing project include a boost in mobility of human resources, as well as enhanced access to facilities, laboratories and equipment for European and Russian students. By addressing the shortage of top-notch graduates in the field, the project will help ensure a more advanced, modernised and secure nuclear sector to meet growing energy needs and concerns.