Within the framework of the NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy's Working Group 3, Rethinking the relationship between nuclear energy and society, the NEA, in co-operation with the University of New South Wales Nuclear Innovation Centre, will convene leading nuclear experts from Australia and across the globe to discuss the role of nuclear in a changing world. Nuclear Futures is a two-day workshop for a new generation of emerging leaders for Australia’s nuclear sector.

With support from key partners from both inside and outside of Australia, this event will bring together 30 to 50 early-career professionals from Australia and around the world. These emerging leaders will join intensive, facilitated discussions on the future of nuclear policy and technology in Australia. Through the nomination process, participants will play a key role in shaping key global questions that will later be discussed and answered during the event itself.

Convened in collaboration with the NEA, senior leaders at international and national levels will join delegates in co-writing a document highlighting key findings from the workshop. The publication will outline key issues, capture insights and share recommendations on how Australia can support global nuclear growth.

As part of the selection process, those interested in participating are asked to submit a:

• 300-500 word abstract identifying a key global question or challenge in nuclear technology or policy, including rationale and impact
• One-page curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting candidate's background, interest and contributions to the nuclear sector
• Statement confirming availability to attend the full two-day programme and interest in contributing to a post-event document (e.g. a key issues paper)

The workshop is open to early career professionals in the nuclear sector, students and professionals from other sectors who are considering joining the nuclear sector.

Application deadline (EXTENDED):

Due to the significant interest in this event, the application deadline is being extended to 23 May 2025. Completed applications should be sent via email to nuclear_futures@oecd-nea.org.

Day 1: Nuclear dialogue

Breakfast and Fireside Chat: The Nuclear Moment – Can We Meet the World’s Energy Demands?

Opening plenary: Setting the International and Australian context

• William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General
• Edward Obbard, Associate Professor, Nuclear Innovation Centre, UNSW
• Panel 1: Nuclear and Society – Earning Trust, Building Consensus and Advancing Social Licence
• Panel 2: From Mine to Megawatt – Nuclear & Uranium’s Role in Decarbonising Industry, Manufacturing, and Data Centres, Application of New and Emerging Technologies, Fusion and AI

Networking Lunch with International Experts

• Panel 3: Nuclear Safety, Waste & Regulatory Alignment
• Panel 4: Workforce Development & Lessons from Nuclear Programmes

Keynote presentation: Investor Insights: Unlocking Innovation and Energy Solutions through New Nuclear Technologies

Evening cocktail reception and networking event:

• Time to connect with other delegates and discuss the day’s insights
• Opportunities to discuss possible careers in the nuclear field in the context of global questions
• Conference dinner with Keynote Speaker and Panel Session

Day 2: Roundtable career discussions

Morning sessions:

• Keynote presentations on careers in the nuclear sector
• Small, facilitated breakout sessions with roundtable discussions focused on key nuclear questions from abstract submissions

Afternoon session: Discussion and synthesis

• Team presentations by early career professionals highlighting key breakout discussions
• Panel discussion, where facilitators share insights and recommendations from roundtable discussions
• Q&A session on key takeaways and possible career pathways to build a Nuclear Future