In this issue
As winter releases its grip on mind and body
and spring ushers in renewal, the nuclear industry too is witnessing
the green shoots of recovery. Seasons come and go and the feel-good
factor is ephemeral, but the new spring in the nuclear community's
step is not just the result of more sunshine or longer days. This
time traditional optimism has been replaced by a sense of anticipation.
The nuclear industry is growing in confidence, a confidence based
on a tangible belief that the long-awaited revival is underway.
The main catalyst has been the world's preoccupation with climate
change. More and more citizens now recognise the contribution
that CO2-free nuclear energy makes to combating climate change.
Politicians too are increasingly revisiting the nuclear option.
With its environmental credentials leading the way, nuclear energy
really is on the comeback trail.
Issue N°8 of ENS News catches
the mood. It opens with a word from Bertrand Barré, President
of ENS, on the subject of waste management. In an article entitled
"Making Progress on the Communications Front,"
Andrew Teller examines how nuclear experts can get their message
across more effectively to non-specialist audiences.
The ENS Events section focuses on two well-established
conferences that took place recently: firstly, PIME 2005
(Paris, 14-17 February) brought together nuclear communicators
from across Europe - and beyond - to discuss key communications
issues and challenges facing the nuclear industry; secondly, RRFM
2005 (Budapest, 10-13 April) focused engineers and technicians'
minds once again on the subject of reactor fuel management and
in particular on key areas like how to improve the physical security
of research reactor fuel. .
Next up is ETRAP (Education
and Training in Radiological Protection), which will take place
in Brussels from 23-25 November 2005. This international conference,
the fruit of a joint collaboration between ENS and SCK+/CEN (Belgium's
national centre for nuclear energy research), highlights the importance
of specialised education and training in radiological protection
for those who work in the nuclear and medical industries.
The Member Societies and Corporate Members section
features the latest news on the energy situation in two of the
new Member States, Poland and Lithuania. This is followed by another
report from the Young Generation Nuclear associations.
Finally, the spring issue finishes with a round-up
of news from around the world, including the proposed construction
of nuclear plants in China by the French, the accession of Bulgaria
and Romania to the EU, the latest on Kozloduy and the UK's recent
decision to reconsider nuclear energy in light of its contribution
to combating climate change.
Use the table of contents to fast forward to the topic that interests
you most.
Use the table of contents to fast forward to
the topic that interests you most.
| 
Peter Haug
Secretary General
|
Andrew Teller
Editor-in-Chief
|
|
