IAEA University Partnership Programme on Nuclear Law

Nuclear law is essential in realizing the benefits of the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology and its applications in our daily life. However, opportunities for academic study in this highly specialized, complex, and technical field are limited. 

The IAEA University Partnership Programme on Nuclear Law aims at turning the tide by supporting institutions to develop a postgraduate curriculum covering the four branches of nuclear law and other related areas, such as environmental law, as well as policy aspects, nuclear science and technology. 

Through this initiative, the IAEA aims to: 

• raise awareness about nuclear law as a prerequisite for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology among policymakers, regulators, lawyers, engineers, and users; 

• immerse aspiring professionals in the practice of nuclear law at the national, regional, and international levels, and within the context of other related areas of law; 

• identify and create opportunities for education and professional development in nuclear law; and 

• build capacity at the national level and faculty level of the selected institutions to support the teaching of nuclear law. 

Establishing the University Partnership Programme

Following the IAEA’s First International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate in April 2022, the Director General launched this pilot initiative to help increase education and professional development opportunities for students and aspiring professionals in the field of international and national nuclear law. 

Partnership arrangements were concluded with six institutions to support their establishment of courses and modules focused on the four traditional branches of nuclear law — safety, security, safeguards and civil liability for nuclear damage — to complement existing national or regional training activities in this field. 

The six institutions are: 

• University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, 

• Nuclear Engineering Institute of the National Nuclear Energy Commission in Brazil, 

• Alexandria University in Egypt, 

• The University of the West Indies in Jamaica, 

• University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, and 

• Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the United Arab Emirates. 

Postgraduate Programmes on Nuclear Law

Through the University Partnership Programme, participating institutions will establish postgraduate programmes on nuclear law, including by creating new courses in this area or by integrating topical modules into existing courses on law, nuclear sciences and engineering, or international relations, among others. 

Each course is expected to be established by 2025 and will be open to students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including law, engineering, policy, and communications. 

The courses will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, group activities, and potential visits to national institutions to fully immerse students into different topical areas. 

They will conclude with an appropriate academic assessment, such as a written or oral examination, depending upon the requirements of the course, the nature of the university’s programme, and the administrative framework of each university. 

These courses may be delivered through virtual, in-person, or hybrid means to encourage wider national and regional participation. All universities are either conducting or considering the conduct of their courses through different means, including distance learning, to allow for sufficient flexibility for working professionals. 

Subject to the availability of funds, a limited number of fellowships are available through the Technical Cooperation Programme to support participation in the postgraduate courses. All potential applicants for fellowships are encouraged to apply online at iaea.org. Applicants must be a non-national of the country where the course is being delivered. Application forms must be submitted to the Agency through government channels.

IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme

The University Partnership Programme is being implemented within the framework of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme, which is primarily supported by the Technical Cooperation Programme.  

Through the Legislative Assistance Programme, the IAEA supports Member States, upon request, in adhering to and implementing international legal instruments in the nuclear field and in developing corresponding comprehensive national nuclear legal frameworks.