The working groups of the Global Forum on Nuclear Education are comprised of experts from academic institutions primarily, as well as 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 publications, alongside other outputs of the groups, are formally reviewed and approved by the Council of Advisors.

Criteria for Working Group 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 on Nuclear Education meetings. As listed in Global Forum on Nuclear Education guidelines, interested parties must be approved by Global Forum on Nuclear Education working group co-chairs before participating in any meetings as 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 on Nuclear Education

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

The Council of Advisors initially decided to establish initially four working groups to be dedicated to the respective areas of work. A fifth working group was established in 2023, with an additional two working groups launched in 2024. 

Areas of work

• Working Group 1: Achieving balance in nuclear technology and academic workforces 
• Working Group 2: Defining the future of nuclear engineering education
• Working Group 3: Rethinking the relationship between nuclear energy and society 
• Working Group 4: Revitalising innovation in the nuclear sector to improve the future competitiveness of nuclear energy
• Working Group 5: Re-establishing nuclear law education programmes 
• Working Group 6: Building a pipeline of STEM professionals
• Working Group 7: Developing an international curriculum for the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle