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On April 11, 2025, the I2EN Convention was held, a landmark event for the nuclear community, bringing together over 80 participants: members, partners and industry experts. Together, they explored international developments while sharing experiences and innovative ideas to strengthen France's position in this vital field.
Opening by Vincent Berger
The day got off to a flying start with a speech by Vincent Berger, who immediately captivated the audience by talking about France’s potential in the nuclear sector. “France has solid assets to position itself as a global hub of nuclear expertise. In the current context of nuclear renewal, research and innovation are essential. To make progress in this field, it is imperative to attract and train foreign students”, he asserted with conviction, highlighting the wealth of French know-how and the importance of an international strategy to preserve its competitiveness.
Thanks to its unique nuclear heritage, France has distinguished itself in the design, construction and operation of power plants, as well as in the fuel cycle, while complying with some of the strictest safety standards, overseen by a world-renowned regulator. And I2EN plays a crucial role in all of this, which he supports wholeheartedly: “I2EN embodies French genius, France’s ability to shine on a global scale in a field that inspires immense national pride – nuclear power.”
How can we combine domestic needs with export strategies for our nuclear industry?
This crucial question was at the heart of a stimulating discussion at the I2EN Convention on April 11, 2025. Moderated by Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy and Chairman of I2EN, the debate brought together such influential figures as Anne-Lise Gloanec (ENSTA), David Izzo (MEAE), Guillaume Bouyt (DGEC), Jérôme Eymery (Orano), Olivier Bard (GIFEN) and Marie-Agnès Berche (EDF).
Discussions highlighted the levers needed to meet domestic demand for six EPR2 reactors, while boosting exports and developing specialized skills. Internationalization was identified as a key growth driver, crucial to securing the supply chain, encouraging investment and attracting skilled labor.
“Export is not a dispersion of efforts, but a vital necessity for success”, was one of the many powerful messages heard during the debate. “I2EN is a major asset for the industry, strengthening its international network through the formation of solid, lasting partnerships.” This strategy is helping to position France as a global center of excellence in nuclear skills.
I2EN Prize, a reward for excellence
One of this year’s new features was the introduction of the prestigious I2EN Award, an annual distinction designed to celebrate the academic excellence and international commitment of students who have successfully completed courses bearing the I2EN label. This year, we are delighted to congratulate the following three winners: Ms @Flora Mbouyom Tchudjeu from the Master “SARENA” (IMT Atlantique), Mr Simone Albanese from the Master Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Plant Operations course (Université Paris-Saclay – CentraleSupélec), and Mr Robin Delaire, from the same Master, Nuclear Fuel Cycle course (Université PSL – Chimie ParisTech). Each recipient was applauded for their determination and commitment to excellence in the nuclear sector. A big well done to these ambassadors of the international nuclear industry, and to the schools for the quality of their nuclear training!
Formalizing a strategic partnership with UMN
The I2EN Convention was an opportunity to sign a partnership agreement between UMN and I2EN! To work effectively, it was essential to clarify roles in a context that has changed profoundly since I2EN was founded, with the creation of new structures in France such as GIFEN in 2018 and UMN in 2022. UMN and I2EN are two associations serving the French nuclear industry, acting in a complementary way. The UMN supports the industry’s “skills” action plan, and aims to boost the visibility of training courses and the attractiveness of professions in France, while the I2EN supports export projects and contributes to the industry’s international influence from the perspective of the French training offer. Together, the two associations are looking for the skills needed to meet the major industrial and human challenges of the next decade.
A big thank you to Hélène Badia and her team, who worked hard to make this partnership a reality, of which I2EN is very proud!
Academic testimonials
SARENA, an acronym for “SAfe and Reliable Nuclear Applications”, is one of the international masters programs accredited by I2EN, a guarantee of the quality of the entire program. Coordinated by ITM Atlantique and headed by Prof. Abdelouas, this master’s degree is part of the prestigious European Erasmus Mundus program. It offers two distinct courses: Radioactive Waste Management and Dismantling (RWMD) and Nuclear Reactor Operations and Safety (NROS). Thanks to collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the University of Technology and the University of Ljubljana, this program has a resolutely international dimension.
Dr. For his part, Lefèvre presented the “Fuel Cycle” track of the Master of Nuclear Engineering (MNE), another comprehensive I2EN-certified program offered by PSL University in Paris. This master’s program meets a wide range of industrial needs, thanks to the recruitment of students with high initial employability. All courses are taught in English. The “Fuel Cycle” course, offered by PSL’s partner Chimie-ParisTech, is recognized as a benchmark in the nuclear industry.
Doing even better: brainstorming workshops
During a brainstorming session, a number of topics were presented with a view to strengthening France’s position in the nuclear sector at international level. One of the topics discussed was how to improve the visibility and readability of French nuclear training courses. Participants stressed the importance of making these courses more understandable and attractive to international students, in order to maintain France’s intellectual and economic influence.
In addition, particular attention was paid to the need to combine domestic energy needs with export strategies. Discussions highlighted the importance of synchronizing the skills developed by academic training with the expectations of the nuclear industry, both in France and abroad, to guarantee a qualified workforce.
The workshops also explored I2EN’s role in strengthening international service offerings, proposing innovative educational initiatives and strengthening partnerships with global organizations. The idea was to extend I2EN’s role beyond training promotion, by integrating new technologies and pedagogical formats. Finally, participants discussed methods for harmonizing nuclear certifications according to international standards, in order to facilitate professional mobility and homogenize training quality. Proposals, such as the development of MOOCs and virtual laboratories, were put forward to make learning and skills development more accessible and modular. These exchanges helped to formulate strategies for sustainably establishing France’s position as a leader in the nuclear field.
Conclusion by Xavier Ursat
The conclusion of the Convention was a highlight, marked by the presence of guest of honor Xavier Ursat, EDF Group Executive Vice President, Strategy, Technologies, Innovation and Development, and Chairman of Gifen and NuclearEurope. For Xavier Ursat, “I2EN occupies a central position in the current context. By stimulating international exchanges and contributing to training excellence, we are consolidating our unique position within the European nuclear supply chain. Thanks to our academic partnerships, we are working to create a veritable “Erasmus of the nuclear industry”, connecting talent and skills across Europe and beyond.”
There’s no denying that the nuclear sector has undergone a significant revival in recent years, driven by key issues such as climate change and energy independence. This momentum is underpinned by the growing need for decarbonized, competitive energy, which is crucial to sustaining our economies and industry. With ambitious projects and a forward-looking vision, the aim is to promote the French and European training offer, attract the world’s best talent and set high educational standards. This is precisely I2EN’s mission.
Many thanks to Xavier Ursat for honoring us with his visit and for sharing his strategic vision, which was much appreciated by all participants.
In a nutshell, what does I2EN mean to you?
