An immersive programme for future leaders in the nuclear industry.

Overview

The Summer Institute is a unique leadership development programme for professionals in all areas of the nuclear energy industry. It provides participants with a holistic view of the industry, develops their leadership capabilities, improves their communication skills, and empowers them to become drivers of innovation.

Who is it for?
High potential talent with at least four years of professional experience in the nuclear industry
Duration
5 weeks
Location
International
Tuition Types
WNA member company (preferential price offered), Non-member company, Self funding
Funding Support
IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme Funding scheme, WANO scholarship (internal process)

Objectives

Through a mix of taught lectures, mentored group work, industry-focused projects, and technical site visits, the programme will equip you with the necessary skills and tools to:

  • Connect concepts across disciplines and fields that are not obviously related and understand ideas that are counterintuitive
  • Recognize ambiguity and develop a healthy scepticism
  • Address misperceptions, preconceptions, and misconceptions by creating new knowledge
  • Compare multiple perspectives by identifying diverse dimensions, technical viability, social justice, welfare, environmental responsibility, and business realities
  • Communicate diverse ideas and topics clearly and concisely to varied audiences
WNU Programmes

Applying to the Summer Institute

The Summer Institute application form encompasses several sections that are essential to a successful application. Your responses allow the team to assess your suitability for the programme and to understand how you, your organization, and the wider cohort, will benefit from your participation.
The Fellow´s profile
Applying to the Summer Institute
During the application process you will be asked to share:
  • General information
  • Employment information
  • Professional experience
  • Academic profile
  • English language proficiency
Some of the questions will be in short essay format, allowing us to gain a better understanding of your skills and experiences. The detailed list of entry requirements will be accessible on the Programme page once applications open.
All applicants undergo a thorough blind review in which we aim to ensure diversity of thought, experience and cohort cohesion. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the programme.

FAQs

The Summer Institute offers a unique international leadership development opportunity for talented professionals from diverse nuclear backgrounds. Selected Fellows will have at least four years’ professional experience in the nuclear industry (or five in a comparable industry) and will be recognized by their organizations as high-potential industry leaders.

If you are a professional looking to develop your skills in leadership, communication, innovation and systemic thinking, visit the Candidate´s profile or read about the journeys of some of our Alumni to learn if this is the right programme for you. We actively encourage individuals from disempowered groups to apply.

English proficiency is essential for effective communication and participation in the programme. If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide either an English language certificate or equivalent evidence of consistent use of English in your workplace. This requirement ensures that all Fellows can fully engage with the course content and collaborate seamlessly with peers and experts.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the programme. All applications undergo a thorough review process, with notifications regarding acceptance status sent approximately three weeks after applications are closed.

Applying is free of charge. Tuition fees are payable upon notification of acceptance. For detailed financial obligations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Please note that World Nuclear University does not provide direct funding for programme participation as we operate on a cost recovery model. Visit our About us section to learn more about how we are structured. However, participants can be funded through various avenues, including directly through employers, or through the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme (available for IAEA member state countries only) or WANO (internal process). Some applicants may be self-funded.

Ongoing work commitments during the Summer Institute, even on a part-time basis, are strongly discouraged due to the demanding nature of the curriculum. We encourage you and your organization to view the programme as a full-time commitment for its duration.

Your full engagement and participation is required every weekday for seminars, group work, preparation sessions and more. Additionally, Fellows are encouraged to use after-hours and weekends to network with their peers, Mentors, and the programme’s speakers to enhance their overall experience and expand their industry connections.

We understand the importance of family and know it can be complicated to leave your loved ones behind for five weeks, especially for primary caregivers. Due to the demands of the programme, however, we strongly encourage you to view this as a time to work on your development away from the complications of daily life.

We strongly advise participants against bringing guests especially during the first three weeks to allow full immersion. Should you have any guests joining, World Nuclear University does not assume responsibility for covering their expenses or allow guests accompanying you to join any programme activity; nor do we facilitate visa invitation letters or provide any other logistical support.

This programme is tailored for mid-career professionals aspiring to assume or already in leadership roles within the industry. If you are currently an undergraduate or have recently started your professional experience, we recommend that you apply for the programme once you have acquired the necessary qualifications and experience.

Important Information

Read about our Policies, Terms & Conditions and Codes of Conduct.

Summer Institute 2025

China
1 June - 5 July 2025
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World Nuclear University offers different opportunities to contribute to its programmes, such as hosting, sponsoring and speaking.