The working groups are comprised of experts from primarily academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders from NEA member and non-member countries.   

They conduct studies and analyses in work areas related to the future of the nuclear sector, with a particular focus on educational and human capital issues. Outputs include internal discussion documents, topical workshops, published white papers, journal articles, editorials, and policy papers.  Each working group develops a yearly work plan and contributes to the Global Forum Programme of Work.

The working group (WG) publications, alongside other outputs of the groups, are formally reviewed and approved by the Council of Advisors.

Criteria for WG membership:

• Working group members are recommended by countries, self-nomination based on specific interest in a particular working area, or by the Council of Advisors and the NEA Secretariat. As listed in OECD Global Forum Regulations, members must be invited by the Secretariat to participate in Global Forum meetings. And as listed in Global Forum guidelines interested parties must be approved by Global Forum working group co-chairs before participating in any meetings as members.

The size of Working Groups may vary, but should not exceed 20 members. It is important for the membership to be as inclusive as possible.

Members include:

• Academics
• International organisations, partners and networks representatives
• Young generation representatives
• Foundations/private companies
• Other representatives from organisations and networks within the defined scope of the Global Forum

The WG members remain in place for a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years.

The Council of Advisors decided to establish initially four working groups to be dedicated to the respective areas of work.

Areas of work

• Achieving gender equity in the nuclear engineering and technology and academic workforces
• Defining the future of nuclear engineering education
• Rethinking the relationship between nuclear energy and society 
• Identifying ways of revitalising innovation in the nuclear sector to improve the future competitiveness of nuclear energy