Speech delivered by Igor Vukovic, Chairman of ENS’ YGN at the 4th ENEF Plenary Meeting in Prague, 29th May 2009

ENS YGN and ENEF – A message from the youth

Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Igor Vuković. I am the former chairman of the European Nuclear Society’s Young Generation Network and European Liaison Chair of the International Youth Nuclear Congress. I am delighted to join all of you here this afternoon at the 4th plenary meeting of the ENEF. I’ve just arrived from Cordoba, where the 3rd European Nuclear Young Generation Forum ended last Friday, and I am here to deliver a message from the European young nuclear professionals, the future of Europe’s nuclear science and industry community. Indeed, during our meeting in Cordoba our involvement in ENEF was discussed.

The Young Generation Network supports and works as a sub group within ENS – association with focus in science, research, education and training. YGN is an umbrella association of 23 young generation networks of national nuclear societies in Europe which exists for past 14 years. Our members are youngsters aged up to 35 working in the research institutes, academia, industry, utilities, regulatory bodies, and TSOs.

In the year 2005 in Zagreb we have established the European Nuclear Young Generation Forum – largest biannual youth nuclear event in Europe. In 2007 the Forum took place in Amsterdam and last week we met in Córdoba. The Forum was established with a purpose to intensify accomplishment of ENS YGN objectives.

They are: to promote and contribute to the advancement of science and engineering in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear technology by all suitable means and in particular by: promotion of knowledge exchange; training and encouraging new leaders; attracting young people to the nuclear field and encouraging them to stay in the field; and creating a platform for career development and networking among the young people.

Debates on energy have finally been made a high priority. And nuclear energy is part of it. Thus, I’d like to send out a message regarding what the European Commission, EU Member States, as well as industry need to do to ensure the future of the nuclear industry, science and research. What are our hopes? We hope EC will recognise the importance of investment in the following activities:

1. Education and training. The nuclear science community is a perfect platform for discussing and networking about a subject that is vital to the future of nuclear – the education and training of the next generation of young engineers and researchers. Traditional academic curriculum of nuclear science and engineering do not include yet courses on social and political aspects of technology assessment

2. Preservation and transfer of knowledge. The transfer of knowledge and experience from experienced professionals to inspired young newcomers, from centres of competence to growing areas, shall be organised and controlled. This is relevant for countries with existing nuclear fleet to maintain enviable operating record, but also for “new” countries to introduce nuclear option

3. Attracting new young professionals. The nuclear revival continues to gather momentum and once again talented and ambitious individuals are beginning to reconsider a career in nuclear. It is once again a growth area and a new supply and demand equation is demanding our attention. Creative young people should be attracted and inspired by vibrant working environment.

Without nuclear - it’s not and won’t be sustainable. We in YG think these are the important messages with items that will shape our professional future. We felt invited to send a message and, we hope, on the other side, there always is someone listening!

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I am confident this Forum will play an important role in further shaping of a roadmap for the continued development of nuclear energy in the European Union and will promote an inclusive, transparent and professional debate on the key contribution that nuclear energy makes to the EU’s energy future. The YGN is a part of it. Support and invest in the young nuclear professionals. Acting and working today in nuclear YG means challenge, responsibility and commitment.

International co-operation, openness and transparency accompanied with dialogue and exchange of experiences are crucial to guide us through future action at national and international levels.

I would like to thank you for accepting us as an ENEF member and to transfer you the last message from the youth for today: “Maybe we can not build the future for us now, but we can build us for the future now”.

Thank you for your attention.

Dr. Igor Vuković
ENS YGN former chairman