The communications mission of the growing BNS-YG network

The Belgian Nuclear Society – Young Generation Network (BNS-YGN) brings together young nuclear professionals and students from the industry and research organisations with a view to enabling them to gain access to nuclear knowledge and to enhance the transfer of know-how. Recently our network has grown significantly. Today, BNS-YGN - a core group with representatives from the different companies and institutions in the Belgian nuclear field - is made up of about 30 members. This group is the driver of the network and organises BNS-YGN evening lectures, technical visits, the annual master thesis contest and other events.

The BNS-YG Networking Event in the Antwerp Port (March 5, 2009)

In order to make itself better known to an expanding network, BNS-YGN organised a first networking event in March 2009, on a boat in the port of Antwerp. During the event the nuclear sector was presented by young professionals to young professionals. In addition, the participants got together to network during an informal drink. The evening was a success, with 110 people from different companies in attendance. It showed that there is considerable interest in the BNS-YGN and its mission. Although Antwerp is not in the middle of the country, enthusiastic participants from all over Belgium were welcomed! English, French and Dutch were the languages you could distinguish.

BNS-YGN aims to stimulate young people to become interested in nuclear science, and to inform other young professionals, students and the general public about the peaceful applications of nuclear technology (opportunities and issues). The focus is put on information providing as a scientific reference, without trying to influence or convince the public. Experience feedback (e.g. from the Nuclear Forum campaign in Belgium) showed a clear demand for understandable scientific information that is accessible to the general public. The BNS-YGN thinks this effort is indispensible to depolarise the nuclear debate. Young professionals seem to be well placed to perform this task.

Within this framework the BNS-YGN will expand its management team for the period 2010-2012 with the presence of a “knowledge manager” and a communications manager. In this way, a platform for communicating will be offered to every young professional who is keen to learn communications skills. It will provide information for presentations at different levels - a good opportunity for all BNS-YGN members to make the most of!

More information about the BNS-YGN can be found at: www.bnsorg.be/yg.

Wim Uyttenhove
BNS-YGN Chairman, 2008-2010