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Viewpoint: Providing a platform for young nuclear professionals
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with two young budding nuclear professionals this week, one of whom I know quite well - he's my son - and the other his girlfriend, both nuclear engineering Ph.D. students, out to do no less than save the world.
From World Nuclear News, August 5, 2024:
Viewpoint: Providing a platform for young nuclear professionals
Subtitle:
Kristine Madden, president of the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), discusses the key challenges and opportunities for young nuclear professionals in the near future.
It's in an interview format.
Some excerpts:
IYNC is a global Could you tell us about the current IYNC priorities?
IYNC is a global organization of young nuclear professionals committed to bridging the knowledge gap between generations and fostering international collaboration. Through different initiatives, we not only support professional growth but also enhance public understanding of the potential of nuclear technologies.
Since the last Congress in Japan in 2022, global interest in nuclear energy has continued to grow. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C in Reach: 2023 Update) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018) have reported the need for significant increases in nuclear power by 2050. Concurrently, we have observed a global rise in youth's favorable view of the role of nuclear science and technology in achieving net-zero goals. A survey conducted by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, revealed that 60% of young people consider nuclear energy essential for the transition to net-zero, while another 20% feel they lack sufficient information to make a decision for or against it. This shared belief underscores that without nuclear power, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realized. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future. of young nuclear professionals committed to bridging the knowledge gap between generations and fostering international collaboration. Through different initiatives, we not only support professional growth but also enhance public understanding of the potential of nuclear technologies.
Since the last Congress in Japan in 2022, global interest in nuclear energy has continued to grow. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C in Reach: 2023 Update) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018) have reported the need for significant increases in nuclear power by 2050. Concurrently, we have observed a global rise in youth's favorable view of the role of nuclear science and technology in achieving net-zero goals. A survey conducted by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, revealed that 60% of young people consider nuclear energy essential for the transition to net-zero, while another 20% feel they lack sufficient information to make a decision for or against it. This shared belief underscores that without nuclear power, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realized. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future.. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future...
...What is the current situation with nuclear capacity expansion and climate change concerns?
Many existing nuclear power plants are receiving licence extensions, and there is a noticeable increase in new builds as countries work to address the risks posed by climate change. This growth in our community means that IYNC is also expanding its efforts to meet the evolving needs.
I am particularly excited about the shifting perspectives on the role of nuclear power in combating climate change. For the first time, the nuclear industry was invited to YOUNGO’s annual Conference of Youth, held just before COP28, to discuss technological solutions for achieving net zero alongside other youth experts. At the end of their conference, YOUNGO released the Global Youth Statement, which, for the first time, acknowledged nuclear power as a crucial component of the net-zero energy equation...
Is Gen Z ready for a key role in nuclear expansion and why?
Every generation is ready if they are well-prepared, and Gen Z is particularly attuned to climate change issues and eager to play a role in addressing them. This generation not only supports nuclear technologies but also has a solid understanding of their applications. They grasp the basic principles of nuclear power plant operations and are aware of the diverse uses of nuclear technology in fields such as agriculture and medicine. Their interest is driven by a genuine curiosity rather than fear.
Effective communication with Gen Z is essential, as they are skilled at discerning and filtering information. Within our community, a substantial proportion of our members are in their 20s, actively contributing and sharing their knowledge with enthusiasm. There is no doubt about Gen Z's commitment to advancing nuclear technology and their readiness to engage in meaningful ways.
IYNC is a global organization of young nuclear professionals committed to bridging the knowledge gap between generations and fostering international collaboration. Through different initiatives, we not only support professional growth but also enhance public understanding of the potential of nuclear technologies.
Since the last Congress in Japan in 2022, global interest in nuclear energy has continued to grow. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C in Reach: 2023 Update) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018) have reported the need for significant increases in nuclear power by 2050. Concurrently, we have observed a global rise in youth's favorable view of the role of nuclear science and technology in achieving net-zero goals. A survey conducted by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, revealed that 60% of young people consider nuclear energy essential for the transition to net-zero, while another 20% feel they lack sufficient information to make a decision for or against it. This shared belief underscores that without nuclear power, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realized. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future. of young nuclear professionals committed to bridging the knowledge gap between generations and fostering international collaboration. Through different initiatives, we not only support professional growth but also enhance public understanding of the potential of nuclear technologies.
Since the last Congress in Japan in 2022, global interest in nuclear energy has continued to grow. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C in Reach: 2023 Update) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018) have reported the need for significant increases in nuclear power by 2050. Concurrently, we have observed a global rise in youth's favorable view of the role of nuclear science and technology in achieving net-zero goals. A survey conducted by YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, revealed that 60% of young people consider nuclear energy essential for the transition to net-zero, while another 20% feel they lack sufficient information to make a decision for or against it. This shared belief underscores that without nuclear power, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be realized. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future.. Nuclear technologies are indispensable for improving quality of life in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and security. Young professionals are crucial to the industry's future...
...What is the current situation with nuclear capacity expansion and climate change concerns?
Many existing nuclear power plants are receiving licence extensions, and there is a noticeable increase in new builds as countries work to address the risks posed by climate change. This growth in our community means that IYNC is also expanding its efforts to meet the evolving needs.
I am particularly excited about the shifting perspectives on the role of nuclear power in combating climate change. For the first time, the nuclear industry was invited to YOUNGO’s annual Conference of Youth, held just before COP28, to discuss technological solutions for achieving net zero alongside other youth experts. At the end of their conference, YOUNGO released the Global Youth Statement, which, for the first time, acknowledged nuclear power as a crucial component of the net-zero energy equation...
Is Gen Z ready for a key role in nuclear expansion and why?
Every generation is ready if they are well-prepared, and Gen Z is particularly attuned to climate change issues and eager to play a role in addressing them. This generation not only supports nuclear technologies but also has a solid understanding of their applications. They grasp the basic principles of nuclear power plant operations and are aware of the diverse uses of nuclear technology in fields such as agriculture and medicine. Their interest is driven by a genuine curiosity rather than fear.
Effective communication with Gen Z is essential, as they are skilled at discerning and filtering information. Within our community, a substantial proportion of our members are in their 20s, actively contributing and sharing their knowledge with enthusiasm. There is no doubt about Gen Z's commitment to advancing nuclear technology and their readiness to engage in meaningful ways.