The IAEA’s ongoing support for the career development of women professionals in the nuclear sector took another step forward last week as participants in the IAEA Lise Meitner Programme visited Argentina to expand their skills and knowledge.
The programme, which took place in San Carlos de Bariloche and Buenos Aires from 5 to 16 May, provided 15 female nuclear engineers from 13 countries with a better understanding of how to apply their technical expertise to major nuclear projects.
The IAEA Lise Meitner Programme (LMP), named after the Austrian-Swedish physicist, aims to boost women’s career development in the nuclear sector through professional visits hosted by IAEA member countries. This latest visit, the fourth to date, focused on participants gaining insight into Argentina’s specific context, exploring its nuclear infrastructure, regulatory challenges, innovation opportunities and operational limitations.
“The participants practiced and developed their leadership and project management skills through hands-on group activities and lectures from senior experts from Argentina and the IAEA,” said Aline des Cloizeaux, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Power. “The learning experience also benefited from their diverse technical and cultural experience with emphasis on mentoring and networking which will shape the next steps of their careers.”
Argentina’s Nuclear Expertise
Argentina boasts a distinguished track record in the nuclear industry. The country gets more than 6% of its electricity from three nuclear power reactors, is building a locally designed small modular reactor (SMR) called CAREM and has research reactors producing radioisotopes with international reach for medical diagnostics and treatment.
During the technical portion of the LMP visit, participants learned about the foundations of nuclear installation, with an emphasis on pressurized heavy water reactors, SMRs and research reactors, while integrating tools for inclusive leadership and communication skills in technical environments. The second part of the visit focused on applying acquired knowledge to real-world projects in Argentina and enhancing strategic leadership skills as well as stakeholder management within the nuclear sector.
“This first edition of the LMP in Latin America enabled women professionals to gain a deeper understanding of Argentina’s rich history and pioneering achievements, including exclusive visits to the most prominent nuclear facilities in the region,” said Melina Belinco, National Liaison Officer to the IAEA and Deputy Manager of International Organizations at the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA).
“As host institution, CNEA established an interdisciplinary team and coordinated efforts with the main nuclear institution at national level in order to implement a truly transformative experience.
