I2EN signs agreements with leading Polish universities
Education and training of future managers is key to the success of Poland’s nuclear programme.
Leading Polish universities – University of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology – have signed an agreement with France’s International Institute for Nuclear Energy (I2EN) on April 28, at Warsaw, Poland.
Contributing to Poland’s nuclear human capacity building efforts, the International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN) is signing two memorandums of understanding with the Warsaw University of Technology, and the University of Warsaw at the French Embassy in Warsaw in the presence of H.E. Frédéric Billet, Ambassador of France to Poland.
A third memorandum, with AGH University of Science and Technology, will also be signed in the next few days.
These agreements are a framework for joint activities related to the attractiveness of the nuclear sector with the aim to draw more students to enrol in nuclear related academic programmes to ultimately work in either research, or for the regulator, or the industry. Although the relationships between the I2EN and Polish universities date back as early as 2011, 2022 is a turning point after a two-year pause due to the pandemic but also because of the timing in Poland’s nuclear programme. Activities to be envisaged include support in the creation of specialized nuclear courses, setting up dual degrees and exchange programmes with French universities and engineering schools, and organizing seminars for students showcasing the numerous career opportunities.
The French ambassador in Warsaw, His Excellency Frédéric Billet, stated “I hope that these agreements will further deepen Franco-Polish academic relations. I would also like to say that Polish students interested in the nuclear industry are welcome in France, whether to study, do internships and work placements in companies in the nuclear sector or take part in training courses in nuclear facilities.”
In the words of Karen Daifuku, Director of the I2EN: “To achieve a successful nuclear programme, the different nuclear stakeholders each have responsibilities and need to work with a common goal. These universities are training not only the nuclear experts of tomorrow but also bringing many other skills that will be necessary to carry out Poland’s ambition for having nuclear energy. As a French partner, we hope to contribute to that success.”
University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw, established in 1816, is the largest Polish university and a leading research and education hub of the country. Its Faculty of Physics is considered one of 100 top scientific institutions in physics worldwide. The research carried out therein encompasses all branches of contemporary physics, including nuclear physics. Based on those resources, over a decade ago, the Faculty of Physics, jointly with the Faculty of Chemistry, initiated the formation of cadres for the Polish nuclear energy sector. Striving for excellence in education and research, the University of Warsaw is eager to join forces with partners of complementary competences to ensure the best quality of teaching and scientific studies.
Study programs in Polish and English managed by the Faculty of Physics include:
- astronomy,
- physics (with a dedicated program Reactor Physics),
- nanoengineering
Study programs in Polish managed by the Faculty of Chemistry include
- nuclear chemistry and radiopharmaceuticals,
- radiogenomics
Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw University of Technology is the oldest and the best technical university in Poland, builds upon the traditions of Polish technical universities that used to function in Warsaw – the Polytechnic Institute founded in 1826 thanks to the efforts of Stanisław Staszic and the School of Hipolit Wawelberg and Stanisław Rotwand established in 1895.
Warsaw University of Technology started on its own in 1915, thanks to the efforts of the Association for Scientific Courses and the Citizens’ Committee of the City of Warsaw. Working uninterruptedly, the University has been educating generations of engineers and has had an increasing number of scientific and technical achievements.
The beginning of education in the field of nuclear technology dates to the 1959 when the first nuclear engineering program in Poland was started at the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering.
Currently, the WUT offers English-language master’s studies in nuclear power engineering at the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering and nuclear physics at the Faculty of Physics.
