IAEA and AtkinsRéalis Partner to Support Women in Nuclear Energy
Participants of the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) and the Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) joined IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the International Women’s Day event “For More Women in Nuclear” on 7 March 2024 in Vienna, Austria.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering and nuclear technology company known as the original equipment manufacturer of CANDU reactors, have agreed to expand cooperation to help women advance their careers in nuclear science and technology.
Details of the Partnership
The agreement, signed at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, enables AtkinsRéalis to make a financial contribution to the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP). The company will also fund several MSCFP fellows during the 2026–2027 academic cycle through bursaries covering tuition for graduate studies in nuclear engineering and related disciplines.
Purpose and Impact of the MSCFP
Established in 2020, the MSCFP promotes greater participation of women in nuclear fields by offering scholarships for master’s degrees in nuclear-related subjects and internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA.
Since its inception, more than 760 women from 129 countries have benefited from the programme, supported by contributions from governments, organizations, and industry partners.
Summary
The IAEA and AtkinsRéalis are joining forces to enhance women’s access to education and careers in nuclear science through targeted funding and mentorship initiatives.
Author’s Summary
This collaboration underscores a growing global effort to empower women in nuclear energy by combining financial aid with professional development opportunities.