As the year draws to a close, our faculty and students are accelerating their efforts to implement the Department’s new science-systems-society framework for nuclear science and engineering education in the 21st century.
One dimension of this framework is public engagement and outreach, and as part of our commitment here we have been expanding our offerings in executive education. Most of you are aware of NSE’s Nuclear Plant Safety Course — MIT’s longest-running summer program, which will be offered for the 46th time next year. On June 10-14, participants from around the world will examine safety and regulatory issues in operating and next-generation reactors in the US and other countries. The course will concentrate on recent developments such as new reactor safety and licensing, international perspectives on safety, and emergency planning. Click here to learn more.
Next spring NSE will launch a new executive education course — the International Nuclear Leadership Education Program (INLEP). This course is directed primarily at nuclear leaders in the roughly 20 countries that are launching new nuclear energy programs or seriously considering doing so. It will focus on the governance strategies, operational practices, and technologies required to build a safe, secure, economically competitive nuclear energy program. We believe that INLEP is the only international course that is directed at the most senior levels of nuclear leadership in these ‘new entrant’ countries. The course will build on the Department’s experience with its long-running Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives. You can learn more about INLEP here.
NSE students, too, are taking an active role in public engagement. Next April they will host the 2013 American Nuclear Society Student Conference at MIT. The conference theme, “Public Image of the Nuclear Engineer” is aimed at encouraging young engineers to engage with the public and effectively communicate the implications and applications of work in the field. The conference website provides more details.
I am pleased to announce that Lady Barbara Judge will present the 2013 David J. Rose Lecture in Nuclear Technology at MIT on March 5. Please save the date; details will follow in the New Year.
We are enormously grateful for the financial support that alums and friends of the Department have given over the years, which has given NSE students exceptional educational opportunities both at and beyond the Institute. This past year your contributions supported graduate and undergraduate student research, as well as experience abroad. The Department’s newest graduate fellowship, the Joseph P. Kearney Fellowship, was awarded for the first time this year to graduate student Sara Ferry, whose research is focused on stress corrosion cracking in spent fuel storage casks. As we enter the holiday season I encourage you to consider a gift to the Department. If you would like to discuss your giving plans, please feel free to contact either me or the Department’s Development Officer, Paul Hohenberger (pauljh@mit.edu, 617-452-3395).
My very best wishes for a happy holiday season and an enjoyable and rewarding New Year.
-- Richard
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