IAEA Advances Human Resource Development for Sustainable Nuclear Power Expansion

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is leading global efforts to equip current and future nuclear professionals with the expertise needed to meet ambitious net-zero goals while ensuring operational excellence and safety.

Human resource development is emerging as a cornerstone for the long-term sustainability and growth of nuclear power worldwide, addressing one of the industry's most pressing challenges: a highly skilled but aging workforce. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is leading global efforts to equip current and future nuclear professionals with the expertise needed to meet ambitious net-zero goals while ensuring operational excellence and safety.

Capacity Building: Empowering the Workforce

The IAEA offers a suite of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge base of the nuclear workforce. These include:

• Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM) Schools: These one-week specialized courses provide young professionals with tools to manage and retain critical knowledge within nuclear organizations. Hosted globally, most recently at Texas A&M University in 2023, the NKM Schools have trained 1139 professionals since their inception.
• Knowledge Management Assist Visits: Tailored expert reviews to help Member States optimize their knowledge management programmes.
• Nuclear Energy Management (NEM) Schools: Designed for young leaders, these two-week courses combine technical, managerial, and leadership training, with the 2023 iteration in South Africa drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, nearly half of whom were women.

Addressing Industry Challenges

An IAEA report from 2023 underscores the urgency of addressing an aging workforce in nuclear facilities, where knowledge retention and advanced training are paramount. Nuclear power requires prolonged development timelines for employees due to the complexity of technologies and the high levels of oversight.

“Capacity building as an ongoing and ever-improving process is vital for nuclear power expansion,” noted Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy.

To meet these needs, the IAEA is leveraging nearly seven decades of expertise to provide tailored support to its Member States.

Promoting Gender Equality in Nuclear Fields

Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in technical fields, the IAEA has introduced programs such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) and the Lise Meitner Programme (LMP). These initiatives provide scholarships, internships, and professional development opportunities for women, helping to close gender gaps in the nuclear sector.

In 2023, the MSCFP awarded 200 scholarships, the highest number since the programme's launch. The LMP further enhances opportunities for early- and mid-career women professionals to develop technical and project management skills through short-term assignments.

Educational Innovations for the Future Workforce

The IAEA’s International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA) supports universities in creating master’s degree programmes tailored to nuclear technology management. Ten member universities across eight countries are now part of the INMA network, delivering advanced education for the sector's future leaders.

Additionally, the IAEA’s Cyber Learning Platform for Network Education and Training (CLP4NET) provides public access to over 1400 online training courses and nearly 200 webinars, offering both self-directed and instructor-led learning.

Looking Ahead

The IAEA continues to expand its capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that the nuclear workforce of tomorrow is equipped to tackle evolving challenges. With over 1000 technical cooperation fellows and scientific visitors supported annually, the IAEA remains a pivotal force in fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

By investing in human resource development, the IAEA is laying the foundation for sustainable nuclear power expansion, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.