In 2002, the IAEA General Conference adopted a new resolution on Nuclear Knowledge — emphasizing the importance of nuclear knowledge management. The resolution was reiterated in subsequent years (GC(46)/RES/11B, 2002, GC(47)/RES/10B, 2003, GC(48)/RES/13, 2004 and GC(50)/RES/13 in 2006). In response to these resolutions, the IAEA is implementing Subprogramme C.3 on Nuclear Knowledge Management.
Over the past years, the IAEA has been working with universities to address future workforce demand developments and the quality and quantity of nuclear education. IAEA activities focussed in particular on curricula, on networking universities and on internet platforms for nuclear education. University networks supported include the World Nuclear University (WNU, of which the IAEA was also a founding supporter), the European Nuclear Education Network and the Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology, but also other national and regional initiatives.
On WNU in particular, the IAEA has convened several meetings in the past: in June 2004 a consultancy to support the development of an Action Plan for WNU for the period 2005-2006; in 2006 a consultation and a coordination meeting to review joint activities, especially the WNU Summer Institute 2006; and, last, in March 2007 a review and coordination meeting for the WNU Summer Institute 2007. In May 2007, a WNU meeting made specific recommendations regarding overseeing curricula and academic matters through a WNU Academic Coucil.
|