The NEA held an exploratory meeting in July 2019 with faculty from universities that are home to leading research and education programmes in nuclear science and technology. Following this meeting, the participating university representatives identified four strategic areas of importance for the future of nuclear education, science, technology and policy: i) defining the future of nuclear engineering education; ii) rethinking the relationship between nuclear energy and society; iii) identifying ways of revitalising innovation in the nuclear sector to improve the future competitiveness of nuclear energy; and iv) achieving gender equality in nuclear technology and academic workforces.
A second meeting was held at the NEA on 23‑24 January 2020 to present, discuss and further develop white papers on each of these four strategic areas. The NEA is now working with the participating universities to develop a formal mechanism for sustained collaboration in order to establish best practices, facilitate shared activities and stimulate joint research initiatives.