The NEA works continuously with its member countries towards achieving a robust, qualified workforce and developing the next generation of nuclear professionals and leaders. The under-representation of women in the nuclear sector has a direct impact on member countries’ capabilities to maintain a highly skilled and diverse nuclear labour pool. Accordingly, attracting and retaining more women into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and highlighting the prospects for women at each stage of their education and career development is an important goal that the NEA works with its member countries in advancing.

To help address the gender gap and ensure a robust and diverse pipeline of talent for the nuclear sector, the NEA launched the International Mentoring Workshop programme in 2017. These workshops, which are co-organised with host countries, seek to help young women as they make key decisions about their academic and career paths. To date, the NEA organised such workshops in Canada, France, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States, inspiring hundreds of female students and young professionals.

NEA International Mentoring Workshops in the United Kingdom, March 2023 (left); and in Canada, May 2023 (right).

NEA International Mentoring Workshop at Texas A&M University in the United States, May 2024.

Objectives of the NEA International Mentoring Workshops

• Increase enrolment of young women in science and technology studies: Workshops build awareness among young women about the possibilities and rewards of a science and technology career and thereby encourage school-aged participants to pursue university studies in relevant fields.
• Promote careers in the nuclear energy sector: Interactions between the students and mentors, who are distinguished nuclear energy professionals, inform and inspire students to consider nuclear energy as an exciting career option.
• Enhance female leadership and visibility: Showcase the experiences and achievements of accomplished women in science and technology, thereby providing role models for young participants to visualise the contributions they can make to the world as future scientists, engineers and leaders.

Engaging discussions, a supportive environment and mentorship relationships are the core of the NEA International Mentoring Workshops. An interactive workshop format ensures that all participants have a chance to engage with and learn from their female mentors who are leaders from national and global nuclear science and technology fields.

Student posters from NEA International Mentoring Workshops.