UKRAINE ENEN NURECAB Workshop 2026: Ukraine’s Experience in Nuclear Education, Science, and Energy during Wartime

Representatives of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society and leading scientific and educational institutions of Ukraine participated in a series of key international events dedicated to nuclear education, science, and energy, held in early March 2026 in Brussels.

The central event was the “UKRAINE ENEN NURECAB Workshop 2026: Ukraine’s Experience in Nuclear Education, Science, and Energy during Wartime,” organized in a hybrid format as part of the international NURECAB project. The workshop focused on reviewing the results of the NURECAB project, the experiences of Ukrainian scientific and educational institutions operating during the war, and the development, safety, and resilience of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Katerina Pilyugina (ENEN) and Mykola Dzubinsky (European Commission), who emphasized the importance of developing the nuclear energy sector, fostering international cooperation, and supporting Ukrainian nuclear science and education amidst the ongoing conflict.

During the workshop, Danylo Lavrenov, First Vice-President and Executive Secretary of the UkrNS, presented a report on the functioning of the Ukrainian nuclear power industry despite wartime challenges. Special attention was paid to achieving technological independence from the Russian Federation, fuel diversification, and the critical situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Pylyp Kuznietsov, Board Member of the UkrNS (Karazin Kharkiv National University), discussed initiatives to attract youth to the industry. Over the first 15 months of the NURECAB project, more than 35 events were conducted, including summer schools and educational projects, all aimed at preserving Ukraine’s intellectual potential.

In a report by Serhii Puhach, representative of the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology” (KIPT), participants learned about the institute’s continued operations despite the complex regional situation and its proximity to the frontline. Additionally, Ihor Kadenko, Head of the Nuclear Physics Department at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, presented his university’s experience in personnel training through close cooperation with nuclear power plants.

The event also featured Khrystyna Levchenko, Head of the Youth Section of the Atomprofspilka, who delivered the report “At the Frontline of Nuclear Safety: Staff of Zaporizhzhia NPP under Occupation.” Her presentation highlighted the harrowing events faced by the seized enterprise and addressed the urgent issue of liberating ZNPP specialists who were taken captive and remain in detention.

The Ukrainian delegation also participated in the 10th General Assembly of the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN). Discussions focused on the Euratom program plans for 2026–2034, which envision a significant increase in research funding. A major highlight was the expansion of the ENEN network, as the Ukrainian company Energy Safety Group, home to one of the most active branches of the UkrNS, officially joined the network.

The Ukrainian Nuclear Society became a member of the ENEN Association in 2025 and has since actively collaborated with European colleagues on joint projects and initiatives to support Ukrainian nuclear professionals and scientists.

More details: https://nurecab.eu/ukraine-enen-nurecab-workshop-2026…/

The participation of UkrNS representatives was made possible through the NURECAB project (EU Euratom project), funded by the European Union.

Note: The NURECAB (Nuclear Education and Capacity Building) project is aimed at supporting and developing nuclear education and capacity in Ukraine through cooperation with European institutions within the Horizon Europe program.