Welcome to the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency

Encouraging Female Scientists of the Future
Encouraging female scientists of the future was the focus of the international mentoring workshop held on 25-26 July 2017 by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), in co‑operation with Japan's National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST). The two‑day workshop took place in conjunction with QST's first International Symposium "Quantum Life Science" in Chiba, Japan. The primary participants in the workshop were 55 female high school students, accompanied by 16 teachers from various cities in Japan. The event provided the students with a rare opportunity to interact with seven highly accomplished female mentors to talk about their future careers in science and engineering. During the two-day workshop, the mentors exchanged their real‑life experiences and shared valuable advice and insight with the students. Discussions addressed the difficulties faced by women professionals in many parts of the world and the steps that can be taken to support young women who aspire to become science and technology professionals. Read more

Joshikai for Future Scientists: International Mentoring Workshop in Science and Engineering
Despite many efforts and progress over the past decades, women remain underrepresented in executive positions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) fields. Many countries are working to close the gender gap and develop policies to reverse this trend. An important example is Japan, where Prime Minister Shinzō Abe has made enhancing the role of women in the economy a national priority. His government aims to increase the presence of women working in science and engineering, as well as to develop policies that empower women to progress in their careers. NEA is pleased to conduct relevant activities in support of this policy and those of other member countries wishing to explore ways of attracting, recruiting and retaining women in science and technology. In that respect, the NEA has co‑operated with Japan's National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST) to organise an international mentoring workshop that will provide about 60 female high-school students the opportunity to engage with seven highly accomplished women scientists and engineers (three from Japan, the rest from other NEA member countries) to discuss the benefits of careers in science and technology. This two-day workshop will take place in conjunction with QST's first International Symposium "Quantum Life Science" during 25-26 July 2017 in Chiba, Japan. Find out more at oe.cd/joshikai.

NEA and ROSATOM sign agreement at ATOMEXPO 2017
On 19-21 June 2017, the NEA participated in the ATOMEXPO 2017 International Forum, which brought together key figures in the global nuclear energy industry. Among other activities, NEA Director‑General Mr William D. Magwood, IV, spoke at the opening day plenary session on the role of nuclear power in a low‑carbon energy future. In his speech he noted the importance of understanding the long-term role of baseload power plants in meeting future energy requirements and environmental goals. On the first day of the Forum, the NEA and Russian State Corporation ROSATOM signed an agreement to facilitate the translation of key NEA reports into Russian in order to enable the broader dissemination within Russia of important nuclear safety information, economic analysis and the results of the scientific work at the NEA. In a widely attended signing ceremony, ROSATOM Director-General Alexey Likhachov signed the agreement on behalf of the ROSATOM and NEA Director-General Magwood signed on behalf of the NEA.

EPRI and NEA sign MOU to advance global nuclear research
A Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperative Activities has been signed between the NEA and the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI), recognising the value of increased collaboration between both parties. The purpose of the MOU is to deepen both parties' understanding of the global research needs in the area of nuclear energy, taking into consideration the consolidated perspectives of utilities and the industry, as well as those of regulators and government organisations. The MOU seeks to reduce knowledge gaps by facilitating exchange between EPRI and NEA on global research activities in various fields of nuclear energy, such as safety, radioprotection, scientific and technology developments, operational experience, economic analysis and waste management. It outlines the scope and objectives of a five-year agreement for NEA and EPRI to establish a formalised dialogue. Read more

Argentina and Romania to join the NEA
On 7 June 2017, the accessions of the Argentine Republic and Romania to the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and its Data Bank were formalised with official exchange of letters between each country and Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurría. An official ceremony took place in the presence of a Romanian delegation led by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and Minister of Public Finance Viorel Stefan, and an Argentine delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Susana Malcorra and Minister of Energy and Mining Juan José Aranguren. NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV officiated the ceremony. As each country may select the date at which its rights and responsibilities as an NEA member begins, Argentina has selected 1 September 2017 as the start of its membership and Romania has selected 15 October 2017. Both Argentina and Romania possess strong and highly experienced nuclear technology infrastructures that will enable them to be vibrant contributors to the mission of the NEA. These accessions highlight the commitment of both countries to implementing the highest standards in their national nuclear energy policies and programmes. Read more about the accessions here