Summer Institute

An immersive, five-week nuclear leadership and professional development programme for future leaders in the nuclear industry.

This programme is aimed at:

Managers
Researchers
Operators
Regulators
Academia

Overview

Built on a foundation of instruction from the world’s leading nuclear experts, World Nuclear University’s annual immersive, five-week leadership development programme brings together nuclear professionals from around the world to share knowledge and broaden horizons. Through a mix of taught lectures, mentored group work, industry-focused projects, and technical site visits, Summer Institute Fellows will improve their leadership capabilities and team effectiveness. Learn more about the Summer Institute 2024 in Brazil

Objectives

Summer Institute Fellows will:

  1. Gain a deeper awareness of personal leadership style
  2. Learn how to leverage leadership to exceed organizational goals and objectives
  3. Discover frameworks for building resilience into organizational culture and drive workplace innovation
  4. Develop a holistic perspective of the nuclear industry
  5. Build meaningful, lasting relationships
  6. Access a global network of Summer Institute Alumni 

Curriculum

As the nuclear industry grows and evolves, so do the challenges of demonstrating good leadership in a constantly changing industry. 

WNU introduced the Summer Institute in 2005 to provide future leaders with a solid foundation of core nuclear principles alongside a broad curriculum of leadership, communications, and organizational development skills. 

Curated Curriculum 

The Summer Institute's unique curriculum is curated in collaboration with international organizations, including WNU's founding supporters, WNA, IAEA, WANO, and the OECD/NEA, and a global network of nuclear industry partners. Through these partnerships, WNU has access to a wide range of experts from nuclear nations to provide unique and balanced perspectives with the participants. 

Group Work and Mentoring

Throughout the course, fellows are presented with real-life scenarios and tasked with working in small groups to solve some of the most critical issues facing the nuclear industry. Groups are curated to be culturally and professionally diverse, and comprised of fellows from different backgrounds, genders, and nationalities. Each small working group is facilitated by a mentor, who provides guidance and personal coaching to help fellows further their leadership skills and improve their organizational flexibility and resilience capabilities. 

Unique Lcations and Technical Tours

Each year, the Summer Institute is hosted by a different nation from a unique region. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, fellows are immersed into the local culture through excursions, sightseeing, and social and cultural gatherings. The goal of these experiences is to create a strong bond between participants, while highlighting the unique offerings of the host nation. 

Facilitated and independent social events allow participants to develop networking skills and cultural sensitivities that will help them lead the industry into the future. WNU programmes also offer a rare opportunity to tour the host country's nuclear facilities, allowing fellows to visit exclusive sites and interact with those who work in these facilities. 

Requirements

Entry Requirements

1. What materials are required for the application?

In addition to personal, academic, and professional information, the Summer Institute application requires fellows to upload the following documents in English. If documents are not in English, please provide a brief translation. ​

  • A 300 word description of professional responsibilities 
  • A 300 word statement of motivation and goals for participation 
  • 2 signed reference letters in English (1 reference letter from your supervisor and 1 from another academic or professional referee)
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (where applicable)​

2. What are the English language requirements? 

English is the official course language for the Summer Institute. Applicants who are not fluent in English must provide evidence of English language proficiency in the form of a recent certificate from a reputable organization.

3. Applicants are expected to comply with the following policies:

SI Terms and Conditions
SI Code of Ethics
SI Code of Conduct
SI COVID-19 Policy

Funding

Types of funding available for the Summer Institute:

Funding offered by companies / organisations*:

  • WNA member company (member price offered)
  • Non-member company

IAEA TC Programme funding

Partial funding support by ENEN2plus (for EU applicant only)

*Please note: ‘company funded applications’ only apply to employees of the organisations.

Venues

See previous venues

Past Venues

2022

Valencia & MadridValencia & Madrid, Spain

2019

Bucharest & BadenBucharest & Baden, Romania & Switzerland

2018

Busan & GjeongjuBusan & Gjeongju, South Korea

2017

UppsalaUppsala, Sweden

2016

OttawaOttawa, Canada

2015

UppsalaUppsala, Sweden

2009 - 2014

Christ Church CollegeOxford, UK

2008

The University of OttawaOttawa, Canada

2007

DaejeonDaejeon, South Korea

2006

Centre for Nuclear Technology (SCNT)Stockholm, Sweden

2005

Idaho National LaboratoryIdaho Falls, USA

Success Stories