Palmer Commons at the University of Michigan, a modern glass-and-brick building illuminated at dusk, with its tall smokestack visible on the roof and vibrant lighting casting a warm glow against the evening sky.

Public Events at the NEA Global Forum Symposium

Palmer Commons, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Tuesday, September 30 – Thursday, October 2, 2025

Register Here for Public Events

Explore how nuclear education is shaping our global energy future

The University of Michigan Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) will host several public events as part of the NEA Global Forum Symposium on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology, and Policy. These sessions are open to all students, faculty, staff, industry professionals, and community members interested in the future of nuclear education and workforce development.

The NEA Global Forum is a collaborative platform for strengthening international cooperation on nuclear education. The Symposium brings together academic, industry, and policy leaders from around the world to share insights and shape strategies for educating the next generation of nuclear experts.

Public events will include:

  • Keynote presentations from global leaders in science, engineering, and policy
  • Panel discussions on workforce development, broadening participation in STEM fields, and curriculum innovation
  • Poster sessions featuring cutting-edge student research
  • Networking opportunities with international experts and university partners

These events are open to all—registration is required by September 12

Register Here for Public Events

Note: Members of the Young Professionals Programme do not need to register. 

Schedule

Full schedule coming soon

A detailed schedule for the symposium will be released soon. Stay tuned for session topics, speaker announcements, and public event highlights as we prepare for a dynamic week of global dialogue on nuclear education, workforce development, and policy.

Tuesday, September 30, 9am–5pm

9am–12:30pm 

  • Innovation in the Nuclear Sector and the Future of Nuclear Education (Global Forum Working Groups 2, 4, and 5 Joint Open Session)
    Forum Hall
  • Nuclear Educator Engagement Workshop (Global Forum Working Group 6 Open Session)
    Great Lakes Room—Partition B

1:30–5pm 

  • Innovation in the Nuclear Sector and the Future of Nuclear Education (Global Forum Working Groups 2, 4, and 5 Joint Open Session, continued)
    Forum Hall
  • Outreach Workshop
    Great Lakes Room—Partition B
    This session will introduce nuclear topics and related careers to high school students and first-year university students. This will entail interactive activities such as games with prizes, panels, roundtables, and opportunities to engage with Virtual Reality setups.
Wednesday, October 1, 8:30am–6pm

8:30am–4:30pm Plenary Sessions
Revitalising the Nuclear Sector: Addressing Workforce Needs in a Changing Landscape
Forum Hall
Join us for a full day of dynamic plenary sessions focused on the future of the nuclear workforce. Hear from global leaders in government, industry, and civil society as they explore the role of nuclear energy in reaching net zero, and the evolving needs of the sector. The program will highlight emerging workforce aspirations, showcase young professional perspectives, and feature keynote talks, expert panels, and interactive moments designed to foster cross-generational dialogue.

4:30–6pm Reception and Young Professionals Programme Poster Session
Great Lakes Room
The day will conclude with a reception and poster session highlighting the perspectives and contributions of early-career professionals.

Thursday, October 2, 9am–6pm

9am–6pm Plenary Sessions Continue
Forum Hall
The final day of public events turns the spotlight to universities, students, and communities. Morning panels will dive into academic pathways and the next generation of nuclear professionals. In the afternoon, attendees will participate in a collaborative Tabletop Challenge to co-create ideas for advancing nuclear education nationally and internationally. The day will wrap up with reflections, AI-generated insights, and a collective look at where we go next.

Confirmed Speakers

Todd Allen, Chair, U-M NERS, U.S.

Omar Alsaeed, North Carolina State University, U.S.

Rita Baranwal, Chief Nuclear Officer, Radiant, U.S.

Eloi Batalla, Universitat Politechnica de Catalunya, Spain

Wayne Blaylock, Commercial Director, Energy and Climate at Dow, U.S.

Kara Colton, Energy Communities Alliance, U.S.

Joseph Croteau, Assistant Researcher, U-M NERS, U.S.

Cathy Giessel, Alaska State Senator, U.S.

Kirsty Gogan, Lucid Catalyst

Katy Huff, Former Assistant Secretary for DOE Nuclear Energy, U.S.

Gabriel Ivory, Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization (NARO), U.S.

Suzanne Jaworowski, Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, Indiana, U.S.

Ji Eon Kim, Seoul National University, Korea

William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General

Lisa Marshall, Immediate Past President, American Nuclear Society, U.S.

Lisa McBride, Country Leader, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Canada

Andreann Ndebu, Mount Kenya University, Kenya

Katherine Peretick, Michigan Public Service Commission, U.S.

Kristine Svinicki, Adjunct Professor, U-M NERS, U.S.

Makoto Takahasi, Tohoku University, Japan

Mitsuru Uesaka, Chairperson, Japan Atomic Energy Commission, Japan

Ann Verhey-Henke, U-M NERS, U.S.

Aditi Verma, Assistant Professor, U-M NERS, U.S.

Mike Wandler, President of L&H Industrial, U.S.

Justus Wabuyabo, CEO, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, Kenya

Mackenzie Warwick, Graduate Student, U-M NERS, U.S.

Emma Wong, Nuclear Principal Lead for Innovation, Quantum Technologies, and International Engagement, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), U.S.

Devin Wright, Detroit, Michigan-based Artist, U.S.

Hotel Information

DoubleTree by Hilton Ann Arbor North
The Kensington Hotel
  • Address: 3500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
  • Booking: Call 734-761-7800 and mention the “Global Forum/Rising Stars Conference” block
  • Room Block Deadline: August 5, 2025
  • Distance to Venue: 3.7 miles (about 12 minutes by car or 35 minutes by public transit)
The Inn at the Michigan League

Note: Guests who are traveling are able to book their own rooms with these hotels at our room block rates. Room block rates are available until the specified deadlines or until the blocks are filled, whichever comes first. It’s advisable to book early to secure the discounted rates.

Public Transportation

Venue Information

Palmer Commons, Fourth Floor
100 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Google Map
Parking Directions

Sponsors

Breakthrough Energy

Chihiro Kikuchi Memorial Fund

Constellation

Fastest Path to Zero Initiative

Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project

Nuclear Energy Institute

Office of the Provost Global Engagement Team

Westinghouse Nuclear

Y-12 National Security Complex

These public sessions are hosted by the University of Michigan Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) in partnership with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.