World Nuclear University – Fellowships

Applications will soon be invited for an exciting new opportunity in the realm of nuclear education: The World Nuclear University (WNU) Fellowship. A fellowship "Offering a unique career building experience for future world leaders in nuclear science and technology".

The new WNU Summer Institute providing this fellowship is the first of its kind held by the WNU, established in the autumn of 2003, and so itself relatively new.

From as many as 30-countries, some 60-WNU Fellows selected from among the world's top nuclear students and leading young professionals will participate in a unique and intensive 6-week training experience from 9th July – 20th August 2005.

Some of the world’s most prominent figures in Science, Engineering and Environment will lecture on the course. The training will cover a wide variety of nuclear energy issues, team-building and leadership exercises with a view to developing a growing global network and future leaders in the nuclear profession.

The curriculum for WNU Fellows will include presentations from leading world experts on a broad spectrum of topics relevant to the future of nuclear technology:

Global Setting – Including energy supply and demand, global warming and climate change, sustainability, public acceptance and key political issues and trends.
International Regimes – Including safety, non-proliferation and security, waste management, transport, nuclear law and control of global emissions.
Technology Innovation – Including next generation reactors, advanced fuel cycle, hydrogen production and desalination.
Nuclear Industry Operations – Including industry economies, knowledge management, fuel market, comparative risk assessments, social ethics and operational excellence.

The presenters will include leading nuclear and environmental scientists, industry experts, authors and policy makers. Most notably among them will be Hans Blix, WNU Chancellor and James Lovelock, renowned global environmental scientist and author of Gaia Theory.

In order to qualify for the WNU Fellowship, Candidates/Applicants should have:

Master’s level or equivalent experience in science or engineering, with a knowledge of nuclear fundamentals;
Demonstrated academic or professional excellence;
Proficiency in English, particularly oral communication; and
A maximum age of 32, though exceptions will be considered on the basis of outstanding merit.

In late October 2004, WNU Fellowship applications will be circulated/distributed to UN Missions in Vienna, to Member Companies of WNA and WANO and to institutions involved in the WNU network. The deadline for WNU Fellowship application is 1st December 2004.

The selection process of WNU Fellows will be made through consultation, led by the WNU Coordinating Centre which includes the Founding Supporters and Country Representatives in the WNU partnership network. The desire/aim is that an internationally diverse mix of top students and young professionals from/in government or the nuclear industry will be successful.

Accreditation for the Fellowship will take the form of a certificate and such academic credit as may be awarded by a Fellow’s own educational institution.

The U.S. Department of Energy has kindly agreed to host this first WNU Summer Institute at the Idaho National Laboratory (the designated technology innovation centre for the American nuclear renaissance).

WNU Fellows will occupy hotel rooms near Idaho Falls during the course and will visit the Idaho Nuclear Reservation (during the 6-weeks).

A fixed tuition fee of approximately 9,500 dollars will cover the cost of all course work, housing and food, although this figure does not include travel expenses.

Fellows from government and industry will be expected to cover their own expenses, while applicants from developing countries should be eligible for IAEA assistance. The WNU budget may provide top up funds where necessary.

Future venues for the WNU Summer Institute are to be decided.

As the Summer Institute of the WNU evolves, so, it is hoped, will the mission of the WNU be further realised:

“To elevate the prestige of the nuclear profession and to develop and
inspire a new generation of leaders in nuclear technology worldwide”.
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Source: World Nuclear University
Atoms for Sustainable Development