Objectives

The underlying objective of the work is safeguarding of nuclear knowledge and expertise through the preservation of higher nuclear engineering education. Through co-operation between universities and universities and research centres, better use will be made of dwindling teaching capacity, scientific equipment and research infrastructure.

"Today, the priorities of the scientific community regarding basic research lie elsewhere than in nuclear sciences. Taken together, these circumstances create a significantly different situation from three to four decades ago when much of the present competence base was in fact generated. In addition, many of the highly competent engineers and scientists, who helped create the present nuclear industry, and its regulatory structure, are approaching retirement age. These competence issues need to be addressed at Community level and a well designed Community research and training programme should play a role that is more important than ever before. This is an area where the concept of an European research area should be further explored."
"Strategic issues related to a 6th Euratom Framework Programme (2002-2006)." Scientific and Technical Committee Euratom. Euratom. EUR 19150 EN. pag.14.

The outcome from this project should be a clear road map for the way ahead in nuclear engineering education in Europe.

Scientific and technical prospects

The underlying objective of the concerted action is the preservation of nuclear knowledge and expertise through the preservation of higher nuclear engineering education.

"Many diverse technologies, currently serving nations world-wide, would be affected by an inadequate number of future nuclear scientists and engineers. Nuclear technology is widespread and multidisciplinary: nuclear and reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and mechanics, material science, chemistry, health science, information technology and a variety of other areas. Yet the advancement of this technology, with all its associated benefits, will be threatened if not curtailed unless the declining number of courses associated with it, and the declining interest among students, is arrested. Even in countries not now developing additional nuclear power, qualified people are still needed to operate the existing plants and fuel-cycle facilities (many of which will operate for decades), manage radioactive waste, and prepare for future decommissioning of existing plants. Now and for the generations to come, these activities will require expertise in nuclear engineering and science if safety and security are to be maintained and the environment protected."
"Nuclear education and training: cause for concern?". OECD 2000. Nuclear Energy Agency. ISBN 92-64-18521-6. Executive summary. pag7.

Trough co-operation between different universities and universities and research centres, better use will be made of available intellectual resources, scientific equipment and research infrastructure.

National bodies will be kept informed of progress on this project and due account of their views taken.

Networking with related activities such as for example some selected concerted and shared cost actions of the FP5 area "Operational safety of existing installations", will receive increased attention.

Clear conclusions (e.g. published in an adequate journal) are drawn at the end of the project regarding main achievements and future European actions (e.g. possible Eurodiploma) in the field of nuclear education not only reactor design, construction and maintenance but also waste management and radiation protection.