The Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework was launched by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in partnership with its member countries to help address important gaps in nuclear skills capacity building, knowledge transfer and technical innovation. It aims to maintain and build technical and non-technical skills through multinational research and training projects for promising students and young professionals, known as NEST Fellows.   

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission's in-house scientific service, providing independent evidence to support European Union (EU) policymaking. While it possesses longstanding nuclear expertise, the JRC's scientific competencies span numerous disciplines including nuclear safety, safeguards, security, waste management and medical applications. The JRC operates highly specialised infrastructure for this purpose which it also makes available to external users. Its nuclear education and training initiatives are a key discipline, designed to sustain and develop the EU's nuclear capabilities. These programmes target a diverse audience, from students and young professionals to national officers and technical experts across the EU, international organisations, and third countries. 

The NEA and the JRC co-organised the first NextGen Nuclear Leaders Summer School, a week-long school on non-technical skills in July 2026. 34 students and young professionals affiliated with organisations located in a NEST participant were invited to attend, following a selection process conducted by an expert committee. 

The school offered lectures and interactive sessions on topics such as leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement, all of which are considered essential for future managers and leaders in the nuclear sector. It introduced participants to a holistic view on the issue of nuclear energy, with introductory sessions from experts in the fields of nuclear law, policy, social sciences and ethics. 

Summer School participants during lectures sessions (left) and mentorship interview with Tatiana Ivanova, Ulla Engelmann and Willem Janssens, moderated by NEST Chair Stéphanie Cornet (right)

The programme also included a group case study exercise developed over the week, bringing together students and young professionals from different countries and academic backgrounds to work together in multinational teams. In addition, it comprised a site visit to the JRC nuclear research laboratories to give participants practical insight into the sector. Finally, the school gave participants a unique opportunity to interact with young professionals and international mentors to build professional networks.  

Participants undertaking case study exercise (left) and during visit to JRC nuclear research laboratories (right)

The programme of the school, including information on the speakers, can be downloaded here.