Ten graduate students from the Tsinghua University Nuclear Engineering and Management (TUNEM) program were among over 100 participants who attended the 2024 World Nuclear University Tsinghua Week (WNU-THU Week) from July 15-19 at the Sanmen Nuclear Power Base in Zhejiang Province, China.
TUNEM students gather for a group photo at the Sanmen Nuclear Power Base
Co-hosted by the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) at Tsinghua University and the World Nuclear University (WNU), this year marked the 18th iteration of the event since its inception in 2007. The 2024 theme, "The World Nuclear Industry Today," aimed to broaden students' understanding and perspectives on the global nuclear sector.
The opening ceremony, held in the Haiyi Hotel conference hall, was presided over by Professor Liu Xuegang of INET. Distinguished speakers included Tong Jiejuan, Deputy Director of INET; François Morin, Director of World Nuclear Association Asia; and Chen Guocai, Party Secretary of Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
TUNEM students explore the exhibition hall at Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant
Throughout the intensive five-day program, participants engaged with leading experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the Chinese nuclear industry, and academia. The curriculum covered a wide array of critical topics, including nuclear energy policies and economics, reactor technology advancements, digital transformation in nuclear power, radiation protection, nuclear safety and security, waste management, and the sustainable development of nuclear energy and technology.
Left: TUNEM student poses a question during a lecture;
Right: Group presentation by TUNEM participants
One of the highlights of the week was a tour of the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant, where students visited the public exhibition hall and observed firsthand the application of cutting-edge nuclear technologies. Evening sessions were devoted to group discussions and the preparation of final reports, with several TUNEM students recognized with awards for their outstanding presentations.
Reflecting on the experience, Mathias Kwasi Quashie, a TUNEM student from Ghana, remarked, "The educational value of this event was exceptional. The caliber of speakers and the meticulous organization have made this a memorable milestone in our careers."
All participants of the 2024 WNU-THU Week pose for a group photograph
The WNU-THU Week offered TUNEM students a unique opportunity to expand their international outlook and build a solid foundation for their future careers in the nuclear field. Through in-depth exchanges with international experts and peers, participants gained valuable insights into the role of nuclear energy in addressing global challenges such as climate change and its applications in various fields, including medicine and agriculture.
This event, hosted by Sanmen Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., not only showcased China's advancements in nuclear technology but also inspired the next generation of nuclear professionals to contribute meaningfully to the industry's future development.
