Meeting of the Scientific and Analytical Section of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society: Key Topics — International Cooperation, Education, and Safety

On April 9, 2025, the regular meeting of the Scientific and Analytical Section of the public organization “Ukrainian Nuclear Society” (UkrYaT) took place.

The event brought together experts from leading enterprises and research institutions of Ukraine’s nuclear sector, including: the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology,” SE “NNEGC Energoatom,” the Institute for Nuclear Research of the NAS of Ukraine, young scientists from the Department of Nuclear Physics and Energy of the NAS of Ukraine, the State Specialized Enterprise “Chornobyl NPP,” the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, the National Academy of Internal Affairs, Vinnytsia National Technical University (Department of Nuclear Power Plants and Engineering Thermophysics), and the Energy Safety Group. Among the invited guests were representatives of the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN). The event moderator is the head of the scientific and analytical section of UkrYAT, Kostyantyn Simeyko.

During the meeting, participants discussed key developments in the scientific and educational activities of UkrYaT, including the signing of a memorandum of cooperation and the Society’s accession to the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN).

Kristyna Lylak, Public Relations Manager of UkrYaT, delivered a report on the background and benefits of joining ENEN. In turn, Kateryna Pilyuhina, Head of Programs and the Nuclear Safeguards and Security Division, presented the structure, activities, and strategic objectives of this international organization. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving and developing nuclear knowledge through higher education and professional training in Europe.

Kateryna Pilyuhina also elaborated on cooperation between universities, research institutions, regulatory bodies, industry representatives, and other stakeholders within the ENEN framework. She outlined the prospects that ENEN membership opens up for Ukrainian specialists, such as strengthened collaboration with European colleagues, advanced training for young scientists, and participation in international training programs, internships, and other educational initiatives.

Special attention was given to the presentation by Dmytro Khomenko, Junior Researcher at the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the NAS of Ukraine. He shared his experience of an internship at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) during 2023–2025, discussing the main areas of research, practical skills gained, and the significance of international scientific cooperation for professional development.

Other important topics included the discussion of the consequences of recent Russian attacks on facilities of the Chornobyl NPP and the Exclusion Zone. In particular, participants addressed the incident involving a Russian UAV strike on the arch structure of the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl NPP in February 2025.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants exchanged updates on the implementation of projects, initiatives, and activities planned for the first quarter of 2025. Among these are preparations for the II International Scientific and Technical Conference named after V.M. Voevodin “Challenges of Modern Nuclear Energy” (Kharkiv), the INUDECO conference (Slavutych), and the “Atomic Innovators 2025” project competition in the field of nuclear science, energy, and industry.