The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

NEA WebChat: How do we encourage more women to enter the nuclear science and technology field?

Attracting and retaining more women into careers in the physical sciences and technology, as well as enhancing the conditions and prospects for women and girls at every stage of their education and development is an important goal that many NEA member countries are pursuing. In support of these efforts, the NEA is working with its members to explore new and creative approaches to improve gender balance in the nuclear science and technology arena. As part of this priority, the NEA hosted a live discussion on 28 May 2020 at 13:00 Paris time, bringing together young professionals and key leaders in the nuclear field from around the world. The video recording of this discussion will be available in the coming days.

NEA WebChat with Dr Rita Baranwal

The NEA WebChats provide leading figures in the nuclear sector an opportunity to share their personal insights with a global audience through in-depth conversations with NEA Director‑General William D. Magwood, IV, exploring current issues and offering new ways to address challenges. The NEA hosted a WebChat on 14 May 2020 with Dr Rita Baranwal, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the United States Department of Energy (DOE). As a recognised leader in nuclear innovation, Dr Baranwal drew on her personal experience and discuss effective leadership, encouraging innovation and improving gender balance in the nuclear sector. The video recording of the WebChat is available here.

Human aspects of nuclear safety:
Challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

The ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic is having a major impact on the workforce around the world, from how people carry out their work under necessary social distancing rules to the unavailability of workers due to sickness or having to take care of others. The nuclear workforce is adapting to these unprecedented conditions and ensuring the safe and reliable generation of nuclear energy around the world. To explore how the nuclear sector is responding to the human and organisational challenges arising from the COVID‑19 pandemic, the NEA convened a special workshop on 9 April 2020 moderated by the NEA Director‑General William D. Magwood, IV. Watch the workshop recording here: oe.cd/nea‑covid‑19‑2.

Message from NEA Director-General Magwood

The crisis we face today is unlike any we have ever faced in the era of globalisation and interconnectiveness. All countries feel the impact, all economies are affected, all populations are under threat. The event is ongoing and, by most accounts, is likely to be with us for months. The nuclear sector, like all other areas of our modern society, is doing its part to reduce the number of infections. The world’s nuclear power plants are operating safely and effectively and are contributing to the reliable grids needed to power the untold millions who are teleworking, the families sheltering at home, and essential medical facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity. But while the energy flows, the sector itself is impacted by the pandemic and must quickly adapt to ever‑changing, unprecedented, and uncertain circumstances. Read more