The new nuclear energy era will require a greatly enhanced workforce, with experts in a wide range of disciplines. Among those in which greater attention is needed to support the ambitions of countries around the world is nuclear law. As a leading international organisation in this vital area, the NEA provides essential training to share principles, insights and understanding of nuclear law’s foundations and importance.
One such training programme is the NEA’s International Nuclear Law Essentials (INLE) course which convened 82 participants to Paris, France during 19 to 23 January 2026. Coming from diverse backgrounds and career levels, the participants were introduced to all areas of nuclear law, including nuclear safety, security and safeguards, environmental protection, nuclear transport, nuclear liability, international trade, and the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV delivers keynote address
During a keynote address, NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV highlighted that meeting the world’s expectations for expanding nuclear capacity necessitates building a new generation of experts. “Many young people are motivated to make the world a better place, to improve society, to improve people’s lives,” said Director-General Magwood. “Showing them how nuclear technology can make the world a better place will bring more people into nuclear science and technology careers.”
NEA Director-General Magwood also highlighted the need to develop new regulatory structures and legal frameworks to meet the needs of the evolving nuclear energy sector. “New technologies are coming – nuclear reactors for remote, off-grid applications; reactors to propel merchant ships and many others. We will need new regulations, new legal frameworks, and new structures for indemnification. Those participating in the INLE today will be among the experts who will be asked to meet these challenges in the years ahead.”
Each INLE course is taught by renowned experts in nuclear law
The five-day course featured a series of lectures, case studies and discussions with prominent nuclear law experts from international organisations, government, academia and private industry who provided an overview of the global nuclear law framework and major issues affecting the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The INLE programme also featured networking opportunities and social events.
Since its inception, the INLE programme has been conducted by Paul Bowden, Honorary Professor of Law at the Nottingham Law School and former partner of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
More information about the 2027 edition of INLE will be provided later in the year.
For more information on the NEA’s work in nuclear law, visit here.
The 2026 session gathered 82 participants, the biggest cohort since the course was launched
