A brighter future for nuclear power
The future of nuclear power generation calls for more specialists, better-harmonised education and training across national systems, and improved university–industry interaction. Researchers sought to provide a common basis facilitating the resolution of these and other pressing issues through the project 'Cooperation in education in nuclear chemistry' (CINCH) . The nine-member mixed academia and industry consortium represented seven European countries, including Norway and Russia. Set up within the scope of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) Euratom Fission Training Scheme (EFTS), the project's overall goal was to coordinate education at both undergraduate and PhD levels. To this end, project partners undertook a comprehensive range of activities; their results have important, positive impact for students, teachers, the research community and industry. Work and research centred on evaluations and development of university curricula, leading to the compilation of a list of available textbooks, university textbooks and other teaching aids for nuclear chemistry. Identification and evaluation of training needs resulted in the development of curricula for masters-level education; this should form the basis for the future 'European Master of Nuclear Chemistry'. In addition, CINCH developed a set of compact joint modular courses for different branches of modern nuclear chemistry. The project also delivered an electronic tool in the form of a virtual educational platform, useful for education as well as training. CINCH launched an interactive database of teaching materials as a wiki, encouraging active participation in developing and updating the material. Other activities resulted in the detailing of a long-term sustainable strategy for education in nuclear chemistry, as well as a roadmap for its implementation. CINCH partners successfully made advances with respect to all planned project objectives. Their concerted efforts will ultimately help to overcome limitations in the migration of students and professionals, and likewise in the exchange of knowledge and experience.