Topics overview
Each year, the programme’s content and speakers are carefully curated to equip Fellows with the latest tools and insights, reflect diverse industry perspectives, and align with the leadership skills most needed in the sector.
- Core topics: Leadership, innovation, communications, industry knowledge
- Cross-cutting topics: Systemic, strategic and critical thinking, problem solving, emotional intelligence, management, team development
- Seminar topics: Safety, security, safeguards, non-proliferation, radiological protection, fuel cycle (front and back end), environmental protection, regulatory frameworks, nuclear development, supply chain, long term operation, decommissioning, law, economics, finance, policy, ESG, and more...
Graduation requirements
The Summer Institute is a full-time, immersive professional development programme that requires Fellows to be engaged and committed even before the start date of the programme with preparatory work.
The curricula is designed to develop key leadership and communications capabilities, further holistic industry knowledge, and develop innovative and systemic thinking. Growth in these areas is assessed throughout the programme in several ways.
To be awarded an official certificate of successful completion of the programme, the Fellows are required:
- Minimum of 95% attendance throughout the core programme hours: Attendance, punctuality and engagement will be tracked.
- Ongoing self-review: Fellows will be asked to undergo several self-review and reflection processes to assess their own development journey.
- Ongoing peer review: Fellows will be asked to provide constructive feedback to their peers to support their development.
- Mentor assessment: Mentors will be asked to provide feedback, guidance, and reflection spaces to support the Fellows' development. Mentors will also be ensuring engagement and understanding of the subject matter.
- Third-party assessment: The L&CD team and speakers can provide feedback, guidance, and reflection spaces to support the Fellows development.
English is the official language of all programme activities, including networking and social events. Participants are expected to have strong oral, written, and comprehension skills. Non-native speakers are encouraged to trust their abilities and begin practicing their English as soon as they are accepted.
This programme will test your limits and push you out of your comfort zone in many different ways. Those who get most out of the experience come with an open mind and an understanding that this is a chance to practice adaptation and resilience in a safe environment.
Previous Speakers
Our speakers are prominent industry experts and thought-leaders, who share their knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned to empower the next generation of nuclear leaders. At the Summer Institute, our speakers are not only experts in their fields — they are passionate leaders committed to advocating for the industry's future
SUMMER INSTITUTE 2025 FAQs
Tuition Fee and Per Diem Information
Tuition fees are due within 15 calendar days of invoice receipt. Formal Offer email will contain link to input billing details to generate your invoice. Invoices will be sent to Fellows by email. For IAEA-funded applicants, your invoice will be sent directly to the agency.
Tuition fees include accommodation, meals, transport during the technical tours, educational resources and a Per Diem. Tuition fees do not include travel to and from the SI host country, airport transfers, travel insurance, and personal outing or excursion costs taken while at the SI.
Per Diem refers to a stipend (fixed sum) provided to the Fellows to cover their meals (not directly provided by WNU) and other necessities. This includes dinners most weekdays, meals on weekends, laundry needs, etc. The total amount of the Per Diem is calculated based on the host country's average cost of living while also considering the natural expenses the Fellows will incur.
WNU is committed to ensuring that Fellows have enough funds to comfortably and safely enjoy the local cultural experiences and cuisine, however, the Per Diem is not designed to cover alcohol consumption and fine dining, or personal travel or shopping expenses. Some companies and organizations also provide their Fellows with an additional Per Diem, which is allowed.
WNU does not provide a daily spending allowance or financial advice, thus budgeting for Per Diem spending for the duration of the five weeks is at the discretion of the individual.
WNU cannot offer any additional funds, should Fellows max out their cash cards before the end of the programme.
Visa & Passport Information
Visa requirements are based on an individual's country of origin and Summer Institute host country requirements. WNU strongly encourages applicants to contact their local embassy for specifics on their visa needs upon confirmation of acceptance onto the programme to ensure that the proper documentation can be obtained in a timely manner.
WNU is not responsible for obtaining Visas for Fellows or liable for tuition refunds should an applicant not be able to secure a Visa in time. Please refer to the financial T&Cs for more information about tuition refunds.
It is very important to have a valid passport when attending the Summer Institute. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the host country. This is a requirement not only for the host country (Visa applications) but also for the technical facilities.
Flight and Insurance Information
Tuition fees do not include travel to and from the Summer Institute host country, airport transfers, travel insurance, and personal outing or excursion costs taken while at the Summer Institute. All travel expenses to and from the Summer Institute (including airport transfers) must be covered by the individual. Travel during the Summer Institute (to networking events and technical facilities) will be covered by the tuition fee.
It is mandatory to have a travel insurance policy in place to cover you from the start to the end of the Summer Institute. This will protect you and your belongings from any unforeseen circumstances when travelling internationally. WNU is not liable for any losses or damages occurred during or on route to/from the Summer Institute. We also strongly advise you have a health insurance policy in place during your time at the Summer Institute, for extra protection when abroad.
Please note that health insurance and travel insurance cover different areas so we encourage you to have both.
Please also note that IAEA sponsored applicants will have specific requirements that will be communicated from the IAEA directly.