Young professionals under 35 years are invited to submit essays on innovations in the nuclear fuel supply chain, with winners presenting at an IAEA conference in Vienna in October 2026.
The IAEA is inviting young professionals to submit innovative essays on nuclear fuel supply issues and prospects covering topics from uranium exploration to recycling of spent 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 13 to 15 October 2026.
Professionals can submit an essay on one of the following themes:
- 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.
The deadline for submission is 10 January 2025. Shortlisted authors must submit a three-minute recorded presentation or video by 1 March 2026.
“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 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, natural or social sciences who have a focus on the nuclear sector.”
The prospect of significantly increasing nuclear power generation by mid-century poses challenges across the nuclear fuel supply chain. This competition aims to highlight the career opportunities for young professionals in these fields.
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 essay applicants will also be considered for roles in other segments of the Conference programme.
For more details about the competition please click here.