The NEA is the only intergovernmental agency which brings together a selection of countries from the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in a non-political forum dedicated to sharing and disseminating state of the art knowledge in the field of nuclear energy.

• NEA membership represents much of the world's best nuclear expertise and it maintains strategic partnerships with key non-member countries involved in nuclear technology.
• By pooling this expertise, the NEA provides each member country access to the substantial experience of others and an opportunity to substantially leverage its resources.
• The NEA establishes a climate of mutual trust and collaboration, enabling the full exchange of experience and a frank assessment of issues.
• NEA scientific and technical work is in the forefront of knowledge and is known for its depth and quality.
• The NEA publishes consensus positions on key issues, providing member countries with credible references.
• The NEA is cost-effective, relying on member country experts to carry out much of its technical work.
• The NEA's system of standing technical committees enables the Agency to be flexible and responsive.
• NEA joint projects and information exchange programmes enable interested members and non-members to join forces in carrying out research or scientific exercises on a cost-sharing basis.
• The NEA, which has close relationships with elements of the OECD including the International Energy Agency (IEA), is uniquely placed to address nuclear energy in the context of broader cross-cutting issues such as environmentally responsible economic growth and security of energy supply.

Further reading

• NEA Statute
• Strategic Plan
• NEA Annual Report

The NEA framework of standing technical committees, joint international undertakings, and Secretariat-serviced, separately-funded bodies allows the Agency to be flexible and responsive. After 60 years of international service, NEA scientific and technical work is at the forefront of knowledge. Through the work of over 70 working parties and expert groups, the NEA publishes consensus positions on key issues to provide credible references and examples of best practice. NEA joint projects and information exchange programmes also allow interested members and non-members to join forces in carrying out research projects on a cost-sharing basis.

In 2021, the NEA Secretariat is composed of 104 staff members from 19 countries. Professional staff are often specialists from national administrations and research institutes, bringing their experience to the Agency for two to five years on average.

NEA organisational structure 

NEA Director-General  

Women scientists at the NEA

The NEA aims to establish effective relationships with partner countries whose participation in the NEA programme can be mutually beneficial and to ensure complementarity and increase synergies with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Commission (EC) and other international bodies. When relevant for its programme of work, the NEA develops exchanges with industrial organisations.