Viewpoint: Providing a platform for young nuclear professionals

05 August 2024

Kristine Madden, president of the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), discusses the key challenges and opportunities for young nuclear professionals in the near future.

Could you tell us about the current IYNC priorities?

IYNC is a global organisation of young nuclear professionals committed to bridging the knowledge gap between generations and fostering international collaboration. Through different initiatives, we not only support professional growth but also enhance public understanding of the potential of nuclear technologies.

Since the last Congress in Japan in 2022, global interest in nuclear energy has continued to grow. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C in Reach: 2023 Update) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018) have reported the need for significant increases in nuclear power by 2050. Concurrently, we have observed a global rise in youth's favorable view of the role of nuclear science and technology in achieving net-zero goals. A survey conducted by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, revealed that 60% of young people consider nuclear energy essential for the transition to net-zero, while another 20% feel they lack sufficient information to make a decision for or against it. This shared belief underscores that without nuclear power, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realised. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future.

So, to answer your question, IYNC's main priorities have not changed.

The three main priorities I would like to highlight include:

• Knowledge Transfer, Education, and Intergenerational Decision-Making: IYNC is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for young professionals in the nuclear field, promoting knowledge transfer and intergenerational decision-making.
• Networking and Collaboration: We offer a platform for young nuclear professionals worldwide to connect and collaborate, fostering networking and collaboration across generations.
• Advocacy and Public Awareness: We are committed to advocating for and raising public awareness about the importance of nuclear technologies today and in the future.

What are the key issues to be discussed at the congress?

The theme of this year's Congress is “Youth Powering the Future.” The event will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 29 September to 4 October 2024.

At IYNC, we recognise the key role young people play in the development of the global nuclear industry, and with plans for new builds worldwide, we need to make a quantitative leap in attracting and training the next generation of leaders for these future projects. Our supporters - the leaders of the world's nuclear industry - understand this necessity. They collaborate with us not just by providing sponsorship but also by sharing their expertise, offering mentorship, and supporting the growth of the next generation. They do this through opportunities like participating in our Leaders4Nuclear and Innovation4Nuclear initiatives, the IYNC2024 conference, and working with us to open spaces for young people to be part of the decision-making processes.

This year at IYNC2024, we will discuss the role of nuclear technologies in mitigating climate change, explore emerging technologies in the fuel cycle, and develop innovative strategies for resource efficiency. A key focus will be on ensuring the long-term viability of nuclear energy. Additionally, we will, discuss the vast career opportunities for youth in the nuclear sector. We will also provide opportunities for youth to enhance their public speaking skills, integrate IAEA Safeguards-by-Design (SBD) into new designs, and utilise AI through our interactive workshops.

Why is IYNC an important organisation/forum?

IYNC is a vital community for professionals in the nuclear industry, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional growth. For over 20 years, we have maintained a consistent schedule of regular meetings, which are crucial for learning from industry leaders and sharing experiences. However, our purpose extends far beyond simply convening regular meetings.

The importance of IYNC lies in its role as a bridge between experienced professionals and those new to the field. By learning from the leaders of the global nuclear industry, participants gain valuable insights and expertise that are essential for navigating the complexities of nuclear technologies. At the same time, our community provides an opportunity for professionals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Moreover, IYNC serves as an inclusive forum where diverse motivations for exploring nuclear energy converge, unified by a common goal: creating a cleaner, safer future. Whether driven by environmental concerns, technological curiosity, or a commitment to energy security, our members all share a vision of harnessing nuclear technology for the betterment of society. Through our events, initiatives, and collaborative projects, IYNC plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of nuclear professionals, promoting innovation, and advancing public understanding of nuclear energy's potential.

What is the current situation with nuclear capacity expansion and climate change concerns?

Many existing nuclear power plants are receiving licence extensions, and there is a noticeable increase in new builds as countries work to address the risks posed by climate change. This growth in our community means that IYNC is also expanding its efforts to meet the evolving needs.

I am particularly excited about the shifting perspectives on the role of nuclear power in combating climate change. For the first time, the nuclear industry was invited to YOUNGO’s annual Conference of Youth, held just before COP28, to discuss technological solutions for achieving net zero alongside other youth experts. At the end of their conference, YOUNGO released the Global Youth Statement, which, for the first time, acknowledged nuclear power as a crucial component of the net-zero energy equation. This Statement played a key role in the Global Stocktake, which also recognised nuclear power as a vital energy source.

IYNC is dedicated to fostering conversations that allow young people to explore and understand nuclear energy. Additionally, in collaboration with the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Nice Future Initiative, we have launched a new webinar series called Climate Talks. This series aims to broaden our youth’s understanding of the climate discussion beyond just nuclear energy, recognising that nuclear energy is just one part of the larger solution and empowering our youth is essential in this effort.

How do you support the global nuclear sector through knowledge, contacts and advocacy?

Most IYNC members are involved in nuclear companies, but we’re seeing a growing number of new members from the broader energy and climate sectors. For students and young professionals, we provide opportunities to learn more about nuclear science and technology, as well as explore career opportunities in the field. IYNC thus acts as both a professional hub for exchanging expertise and a stepping stone for career development.

We recently launched the Leaders for Nuclear (L4N) initiative to support young professionals stepping into leadership roles within the sector and to ready young professionals as we work to increase spaces for intergenerational decision making within the sector. The initiative is divided into three specialised tracks: Nuclear Applications, which focuses on advanced nuclear technologies beyond the energy industry; Nuclear Power, which delves into the details of nuclear power generation, management, and new reactor technologies; and Nuclear Safeguards, which tackles the critical areas of nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation. We are currently working with our first cohort of leaders and will present the initial results at IYNC2024 in the UAE.

To further increase accessibility to nuclear technologies, we’ve revamped our website to include the Worldwide Industry Events Hub, a comprehensive calendar of upcoming conferences, events, fellowships, scholarships, and workshops. This resource keeps our followers informed and engaged with the latest industry developments.
Additionally, IYNC co-leads the Nuclear4Climate Initiative, which provides a platform for COP attendees to learn more about nuclear science and technology. Separately, IYNC works with non-nuclear organisations to develop collaborative solutions and facilitate Q&A sessions year-round. This year, we also sent participants to SB06 to explore how we can increase our impact, and we plan to continue focusing on this area.

We’ve also boosted our social media presence to continue to educate the public about nuclear power.

Is Gen Z ready for a key role in nuclear expansion and why?

Every generation is ready if they are well-prepared, and Gen Z is particularly attuned to climate change issues and eager to play a role in addressing them. This generation not only supports nuclear technologies but also has a solid understanding of their applications. They grasp the basic principles of nuclear power plant operations and are aware of the diverse uses of nuclear technology in fields such as agriculture and medicine. Their interest is driven by a genuine curiosity rather than fear.

Effective communication with Gen Z is essential, as they are skilled at discerning and filtering information. Within our community, a substantial proportion of our members are in their 20s, actively contributing and sharing their knowledge with enthusiasm. There is no doubt about Gen Z's commitment to advancing nuclear technology and their readiness to engage in meaningful ways.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News