More than 40 secondary-school students from Romania, together with 5 students from Bulgaria and 3 from Canada, gathered in Bucharest from 22 to 25 September 2026 for the second edition of the NEA International Mentoring Workshop in Romania. Organised by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in partnership with the Romanian Nuclear and Radioactive Waste Agency (ANDR), the workshop provided students with direct access to mentors, researchers and leaders, helping them explore future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the nuclear sector.
The workshop is part of the NEA’s ongoing efforts to support education, workforce development and leadership in the nuclear field while encouraging greater diversity and inclusion across the sector. Building on the success of the previous edition, the workshop programme was designed to increase awareness of nuclear technologies and inspire the next generation of nuclear professionals.
The event opened at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, where participants were welcomed by the university’s Vice-Rector Dimitru Chirlesan, and NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV. A keynote address was delivered by Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Member of the Romanian Parliament and honorary adviser to the Prime Minister of Romania.
Opening session with remarks from William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General; Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Member of the Romanian Parliament and honorary adviser to the Prime Minister of Romania; and Dimitru Chirlesan, Vice-Rector for External Relations in Nuclear Energy of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest
The workshop programme combined mentoring, leadership development and technical learning. Through interactive group discussions, students explored topics ranging from the societal impact of nuclear science and emerging technologies to leadership, innovation and artificial intelligence. Discussions on small modular reactors (SMRs) connected these themes to Romania’s strong interest in the technology and the possibilities it could offer for the country’s energy future. Dedicated sessions also highlighted the contribution of nuclear science beyond electricity production, including the use of medical radioisotopes in diagnosing and treating cancer.
A key feature of the programme was the opportunity for direct engagement with experienced nuclear professionals. Participants had the opportunity to work closely with women leaders in the nuclear sector who served as mentors representing government, regulatory bodies, international organisations, research institutions and industry from Canada, Korea, Romania and the NEA. They shared personal career experiences, shed light on the many career pathways available within the nuclear sector, and discussed the technical, regulatory and human dimensions of working in the nuclear field.
Participants also took part in dedicated question-and-answer sessions with NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, allowing students and teachers to discuss leadership, education and the future of nuclear energy.
The workshop also provided participants with first-hand exposure to some of Romania’s leading scientific and nuclear facilities. Students visited the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility in Măgurele, where they learned about cutting-edge research and advanced laser technologies. The programme concluded with a technical visit to the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, offering insight into nuclear operations, engineering professions and safety culture in practice.
Visit to the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility in Măgurele and the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant
An important component of the workshop was international exchange. Students from Bulgaria, Canada and Romania worked together throughout the event, developing new networks and sharing perspectives on education, innovation and the future of nuclear energy. Participants also heard reflections from Romanian students who took part in the NEA’s Joshikai mentoring workshop in Japan earlier this year, highlighting the value of international collaboration in supporting future leaders.
The final day of the workshop featured student presentations summarising key lessons and impressions developed during the mentoring sessions.
By bringing together students, educators, mentors and nuclear professionals from multiple countries, the NEA International Mentoring Workshop in Romania continued to strengthen connections between education and the nuclear sector, helping young people gain confidence, build professional networks and discover opportunities to contribute to science, technology and innovation in the years ahead.
The NEA International Mentoring Workshop in Romania was organised with the support of Nuclearelectrica S.A., EnergoNuclear SA and Natural Resources Canada, helping to bring students from three countries together and enable the conversations and connections at the heart of the mentoring experience.
