IAEA launches nuclear fuel supply chain competition for young professionals

December 1, 2025, 9:36AMNuclear News

The International Atomic Energy Agency is inviting young professionals under 35 years of age to submit essays on innovations in the nuclear fuel supply chain, covering topics from uranium exploration to the recycling of spent nuclear fuel.

Winners will be invited to present their essays at the IAEA International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development in Vienna on October 13–15, 2026.

The deadline for submission is January 10, 2026. Shortlisted authors will be required to submit a three-minute recorded presentation by March 1.


The details: Essays on one of the following themes can be submitted:

Meeting growing global demand for uranium resources.

Advancing fuel engineering and production for innovative reactor technologies.

Expanding spent fuel recycling to support a circular economy in the nuclear sector.

According to the IAEA, winners will have the opportunity to present their essays and participate in the conference, which provides a global forum for fuel supply professionals to explore current topics and innovations. All applicants will also be considered for roles in other segments of the conference program.

Details on the competition can be found here.


Quote: “We wish to encourage creative thinking about the fuel supply in the context of expanding nuclear power generation, including with advanced and innovative reactor concepts,” said Olena Mykolaichuk, director of the IAEA’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology Division. “We are eager to see participation from women and professionals from developing countries, as well as experts in disciplines such as engineering, law, [and] natural or social sciences who have a focus on the nuclear sector.”


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