The World Nuclear University is a global partnership of leading institutions committed to enhancing education and leadership in the nuclear domain. The annual WNU Summer Institute (WNU-SI) is a manifestation of this partnership. Its purpose is to provide a unique educational experience aimed at building future global leadership in the fields of nuclear science and technology.

The WNU-SI was conceived during a meeting of WNU stakeholders hosted by the IAEA in Vienna in June 2004. The report of this IAEA Technical Meeting outlines the advantages of such an institute not only for the selected participants, but also for industry, government, and institutions of higher education. It includes guidelines that helped to shape the Summer Institute's programme.

The Programme of the WNU Summer Institute is designed at the WNU Coordinating Centre in London in cooperation with the WNU's four "Founding Supporters": the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD (NEA), the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), and the World Nuclear Association (WNA).

The first 2005 WNU-SI was held in USA in 2005, and the 2006 WNU-SI was held in Sweden and France. To date, 166 Fellows from 44 countries have completed this initiative.

The third annual WNU-SI will be held in Daejeon, Korea from 14 July to 24 August in 2007. The 2007 event is being organized from the WNU Coordinating Centre in cooperation with Korean hosts: the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd (KHNP) and Korea Nuclear Society (KNS).

In accordance with the conditions described in 2007 WNU-SI Announcement, 109 WNU Fellows have been selected from among the world's leading nuclear students and young professionals from over 37 countries. They will heighten their awareness of a broad spectrum of nuclear energy issues, engage in team-building and leadership exercises, and become part of an expanding global network of future leaders in the nuclear profession.