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The kids got this.
Viewpoint: The importance of young people in nuclear
The President of the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), Lena Andriolo, explains what the organisation can do for its members - and what young people can bring to the nuclear sector.
What is the International Youth Nuclear Congress?
IYNC is a global organisation of young nuclear professionals that supports knowledge transfer between generations and across international boundaries, promotes the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, and communicates the benefits of nuclear power as part of a low carbon energy mix. IYNC is above all a global network relying on its national representatives and existing nuclear Young Generation Networks – the so called YGNs. Currently our network extends over 46 countries. We have several activities, our major one being the organisation of a biennial conference. This year’s conference in Koryiama in Japan, taking place from 27 November to 2 December, provides a forum for about 400 young professionals in the nuclear field to discuss and collaborate on knowledge transfer, nuclear science and technology research and implementation, professional development, and communication. In particular, the conference brings together young professionals looking to further their careers and senior leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with a younger generation.
The theme of this year's conference is "You are the core". Behind every technological innovation are personal stories, full of individual curiosity and commitment. The aim is to explore the human-driven narratives behind all that there is to nuclear...
...Do you see interest from youth around the world in the development of nuclear science and technology?
Definitely. Especially in the African region, youth is pushing to get nuclear into the discussion and to establish the right frameworks for its deployment. We have, for example, seen countries like Senegal establishing YGNs recently. Also, in countries where frameworks are already in place, youth has gained a renewed interested in nuclear technology development. One of the main reasons for it is the positive role nuclear plays in the fight against climate change - important information we got from our World Young Generation in Nuclear Thermometer project which is currently ongoing.
Finally, it is important to stress that the nuclear field is a very diverse one, meaning that we will not only need skilled engineers and scientists but also other professionals such as economists, managers, communication specialists etc. The diversity is what makes our field special and exciting for every age.
IYNC is a global organisation of young nuclear professionals that supports knowledge transfer between generations and across international boundaries, promotes the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, and communicates the benefits of nuclear power as part of a low carbon energy mix. IYNC is above all a global network relying on its national representatives and existing nuclear Young Generation Networks – the so called YGNs. Currently our network extends over 46 countries. We have several activities, our major one being the organisation of a biennial conference. This year’s conference in Koryiama in Japan, taking place from 27 November to 2 December, provides a forum for about 400 young professionals in the nuclear field to discuss and collaborate on knowledge transfer, nuclear science and technology research and implementation, professional development, and communication. In particular, the conference brings together young professionals looking to further their careers and senior leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with a younger generation.
The theme of this year's conference is "You are the core". Behind every technological innovation are personal stories, full of individual curiosity and commitment. The aim is to explore the human-driven narratives behind all that there is to nuclear...
...Do you see interest from youth around the world in the development of nuclear science and technology?
Definitely. Especially in the African region, youth is pushing to get nuclear into the discussion and to establish the right frameworks for its deployment. We have, for example, seen countries like Senegal establishing YGNs recently. Also, in countries where frameworks are already in place, youth has gained a renewed interested in nuclear technology development. One of the main reasons for it is the positive role nuclear plays in the fight against climate change - important information we got from our World Young Generation in Nuclear Thermometer project which is currently ongoing.
Finally, it is important to stress that the nuclear field is a very diverse one, meaning that we will not only need skilled engineers and scientists but also other professionals such as economists, managers, communication specialists etc. The diversity is what makes our field special and exciting for every age.
Every time I hear old farts pull out their stale and frankly toxic ideas about how "dangerous" nuclear energy is, (but climate change isn't "too dangerous" ) I think of the kids.
They will be a great generation because they have to be one.
We left them a mess, but in many cases the silver lining is education and information.
They got this.