Over the years, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has worked to increase direct engagement with academic institutions that are responsible for developing the next generation of nuclear science and technology experts. In 2021, the NEA established the Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy in partnership with academia to provide a platform for sustained co-operation amongst academic institutions, policy makers and key stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector and civil society.
As part of the NEA Global Forum, the Rising Stars Programme puts the weight of the Agency and the Global Forum’s academic institutions behind efforts to build new pipelines that improve gender balance in the nuclear field. It does this by connecting participants with resources, people and support that help to welcome and integrate them into the global nuclear community.
The Global Forum Rising Stars Programme’s mission is to reach within the nuclear field, adjacent disciplines and beyond to welcome female rising stars in science, technology, education and policy into the global nuclear community. The programme achieves these goals through an annual workshop and additional activities to:
The programme is organised as an annual event, the NEA Global Forum Rising Stars Workshop. This is a multi-day workshop with a series of activities, including panel talks by experts and networking opportunities for the participants.
The annual workshop features:
All attendees receive a certificate of participation.
The inaugural Rising Stars workshop took place on 20-21 September 2023 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States. The workshop offered professional development, panel talks and networking opportunities for female rising stars in science, technology, education and policy.
Participants of the first Rising Stars workshop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States.
Ayame Hirasawa, one of the participants at the Rising Stars workshop shared her experience about attending the event:
Throughout the workshop, I could enjoy rich and diverse conversations with talented researchers from around the world, as well as numerous conversations with experienced mentors, organisers and visitors from the Nuclear Technology Faculty. It was a precious occasion to have interdisciplinary interactions from the natural science field of studies. The Global Rising Stars programme is also planning to provide us with multiple post-event gatherings and a more connected, sustainable chain of relationships among participants. I am excited to follow everyone’s paths from now on and hear about their achievements and updates in the future.
Ayame Hirasawa, Rising Stars participant and William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General.
The 2024 edition of the Rising Stars workshop took place on 25-26 November 2024 at the European Commission Joint Research Centre in Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Participants of the second Rising Stars workshop at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The two-day workshop was opened by NEA Director-General, William D. Magwood, IV, Dr Tatiana Ivanova, Head of NEA Division of Nuclear Science and Education and Dr Ulla Engelmann, JRC Director for Nuclear Safety and Security. Rising Stars from 32 academic and research institutions across 12 countries attended.
Participants shared their own research through presentations and poster sessions, took part in career development and mentoring sessions and joined a tour of the JRC research facilities.
The third Rising Stars workshop was hosted by KTH Royal Institute of Technology from 10-12 December 2025. As this coincided with Nobel Prize week, participants had the unique opportunity to hear a keynote speech from the 2023 Physics Nobel Prize Laureate, Professor Anne L'Huillier, and to tour the Nobel Prize museum.
Participants of the third Rising Stars workshop in the KTH Reactor Hall
The workshop also featured a career panel, presentation and poster sessions, negotiation and advocacy skills development and a networking dinner in the KTH Reactor Hall, the site of Sweden's first nuclear reactor.
To be notified of updates about future workshops, please contact risingstars@oecd-nea.org.
