International Nuclear Education: Polytech Students at the Obninsk Winter School

Among the participants were students from international educational programs at the Institute of Energy of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. For the SPbPU representatives, this week was not only an opportunity to deepen their professional knowledge but also a significant milestone in their personal and international professional development.

The educational program was traditionally built around three key areas: fundamental theory, practical work in laboratories, and technical tours to nuclear industry enterprises. During the lecture series, leading specialists from industry companies and Ambassadors of Russian Nuclear Education shared their experiences with the participants. The lectures were aimed at broadening professional horizons and forming a strategic vision for the development of nuclear energy.

The practical part took place in modern scientific laboratories at IATE NRNU MEPhI. Students worked in the fields of dosimetry, radiation monitoring, electronics and automation for nuclear power plants, electrical engineering, 3D modeling, non-destructive testing, and materials science. This format allowed participants to consolidate theoretical knowledge and acquire applied competencies in demand in the international nuclear industry.

A separate block of the program consisted of technical tours to flagship sites of Rosatom State Corporation and high-tech enterprises of the Kaluga Region – including Rosatom Technical Academy, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – IPPE, A. F. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, "LUCH" Research Institute, and other organizations. Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with unique facilities and practical aspects of the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies.

A key event for many students was visiting the World's First Nuclear Power Plant. Among them was Anas Abuhajras (Palestine), a student at the Institute of Energy. According to him, even a repeat visit does not diminish the emotions: "This experience was both thrilling and amazing. Visiting the place where nuclear energy was born is a huge honor. Even being here for the second time, I felt the same emotions as the first time. Studying the operating mechanisms of nuclear facilities and medical centers was incredibly interesting."

In Anas' opinion, the special value of the school lies in the international professional community: "Without such initiatives, it would be impossible to gather students from different countries who speak the same professional language in one place. It's a chance to exchange ideas and jointly solve real engineering cases at hackathons. It was an incredibly enriching experience."

The international composition of the participants facilitated an open dialogue about the development of the nuclear industry in different countries.  Sizakele Kumalo (South Africa), also representing the Institute of Energy, noted the significance of participating in a global project: "Being part of this international project was a truly wonderful and amazing event. I was very pleased that my institute supports this initiative. The Winter School allowed me to better learn about and understand the various fields of nuclear technology and their applications through lectures, practical sessions, technical tours, and, of course, direct communication with people from a wide variety of cultures."

Samuel Gebreninsae (Eritrea) emphasized the harmonious combination of an intensive professional program and cultural activities: "The program was very intensive, but the visit to the first nuclear power plant was a starting point for me. It provides a direct understanding of the industry's origins."

During the week, participants worked on projects within the framework of HackAtom, a team engineering intensive aimed at finding original solutions in the application of nuclear technologies and industry development. The project presentations were a logical conclusion to the program. At the official closing ceremony, students were awarded professional development certificates, and the winning teams of HackAtom and the Atomic Triathlon received awards.

As noted by Tatiana Osipova, Director of the "Obninsk.Tech" Project Office, holding the school is of strategic importance for strengthening Obninsk's position as a global center for nuclear education and for forming an international professional community.

The participation of students from the Institute of Energy at SPbPU in the Obninsk Tech Winter School was an important step in the development of their professional competencies, the expansion of international contacts, and the formation of sustained motivation to work in the global nuclear industry.