Over the years, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has worked to increase direct engagement with academic institutions that are responsible for developing the next generation of nuclear science and technology experts. In 2021, the NEA established the Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy in partnership with academia to provide a platform for sustained co-operation amongst academic institutions, policy makers and key stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector and civil society.

As part of the NEA Global Forum, the Rising Stars Programme leverages the weight of the Agency and the Global Forum’s academic institutions to build new pipelines that improve gender balance in the nuclear field. It does this by connecting participants with resources, people, and support that helps to welcome and integrate them into the global nuclear community.

Mission and objectives

The Global Forum Rising Stars Programme’s mission is to reach within the nuclear field, adjacent disciplines, and beyond to welcome rising stars in science, technology, education and policy into the global nuclear community. The programme achieves these goals through an annual workshop and additional activities to:

• Offer professional development and resume-building opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate women and gender-diverse individuals in the nuclear and nuclear-adjacent fields;
• Introduce participants to mentors and advocates who can discuss strategies and opportunities, and help with navigating career paths in the nuclear field; and
• Create cohort groups that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and support that can last entire careers.

Programme activities

The programme is organised as an annual event, the NEA Global Forum Rising Stars Workshop in Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy. This is a multi-day workshop with a series of activities, including panel talks by experts and networking opportunities for the participants.

The annual workshop features:

• Keynote and plenary speakers
• Invited talks by selected participants
• Poster session for all participants
• Awards for best poster
• Career development panels
• Networking opportunities

Travel and personal funds will be provided to selected participants. All attendees will receive a certificate of participation.

Upcoming

The inaugural ‘Rising Stars’ workshop will be hosted by the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on 20-21 September 2023. It will be held in person in Cambridge, Massachusetts (United States).

The nomination process to attend the workshop will be announced shortly. To be informed when the nomination process is launched, please express your interest by sending an email to: risingstars@oecd-nea.org.