safeND2025-178, updated on 13 Aug 2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/safend2025-178
Third interdisciplinary research symposium on the safety of nuclear disposal practices
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
In support of the Young Generation - Competence building in EURAD-2
Niels Belmans
Niels Belmans
  • SCK CEN Academy, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium (niels.belmans@sckcen.be)

The EURAD-2 Knowledge Management (KM) programme is strategically designed to address the critical challenge of the competence generation gap in the field of radioactive waste management (RWM). Its overarching objective is to ensure the sustained availability of a sufficiently skilled, competent, and qualified workforce across Europe. By aligning resources effectively, the programme aims to maintain and enhance the capabilities required to support the safe and responsible management of radioactive waste.

 

A key component of the KM programme is its commitment to supporting Member States at varying stages of progress in implementing the Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom. Through structured knowledge transfer mechanisms, the programme facilitates the dissemination of expertise from more advanced national programmes to those less developed, thereby promoting cohesion and mutual advancement within the European RWM community. In addition, knowledge transfer to the next generation of experts is crucial.

 

Therefore, the KM programme incorporates targeted initiatives to foster the next generation of RWM professionals. A dedicated mobility programme provides financial support for young scientists to participate in international exchanges, such as conferences, internships, and training courses. Furthermore, efforts are underway to implement a structured mentoring programme, aimed at facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer and professional development.

 

Collectively, these initiatives reflect EURAD-2's commitment to building a resilient and future-ready RWM workforce through strategic knowledge management and collaborative capacity building.

How to cite: Belmans, N.: In support of the Young Generation - Competence building in EURAD-2, Third interdisciplinary research symposium on the safety of nuclear disposal practices, Berlin, Germany, 17–19 Sep 2025, safeND2025-178, https://doi.org/10.5194/safend2025-178, 2025.