The Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) at Texas A&M University recently hosted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) School of Nuclear Knowledge Management, bringing together nuclear professionals and early-career practitioners from around the world for an intensive week of learning, discussion, and exchange. This year’s School welcomed 29 participants from 26 countries and focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of nuclear knowledge management concepts, tools, and best practices.
As global interest in nuclear energy accelerates, established nuclear countries are confronting workforce transitions and program expansion while newcomer countries prepare to launch their first nuclear programs, making effective nuclear knowledge management essential to maintaining, transferring, and strengthening critical expertise across generations in support of safe, secure, and sustainable long-term operation. As nuclear programs expand and experienced personnel retire, effective knowledge management has become a critical issue for both established and newcomer countries. The IAEA School of Nuclear Knowledge Management is designed to help address this challenge by equipping participants with practical frameworks for capturing, preserving, and transferring nuclear knowledge across generations and institutions.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies exploring topics such as organizational knowledge retention, human resource development, lessons learned programs, and the integration of knowledge management into national nuclear infrastructures.
The School was led by IAEA Scientific Secretary Romana Kvetonova, with expert contributions from international subject matter experts, including Martin Roulleaux-Dugage and Dobrica Savić, who shared insights drawn from decades of practical experience in nuclear knowledge management, and local expert Dr. K.L. Peddicord, who addressed the university’s role in human capacity development for the local nuclear industry.
Beyond classroom sessions, the program placed a strong emphasis on networking and peer exchange. Through group projects and discussions, participants shared experiences from their home institutions and countries, comparing common challenges and region-specific approaches to managing nuclear knowledge.
The School also included technical tours that gave participants an opportunity to see key Texas A&M facilities firsthand. Participants visited the research reactor at the Nuclear Engineering and Science Center, where they learned about the reactor’s role in research, education, and training. The group also toured the TEEX Disaster City® training facility, which supports large-scale emergency response and disaster preparedness training for a wide range of domestic and international organizations.
Hosting the IAEA School of Nuclear Knowledge Management reflects NSSPI’s longstanding commitment to nuclear education, workforce development, and international engagement. NSSPI supports training and capacity-building efforts centered on the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, and knowledge management is essential to preserving institutional expertise and supporting safe, secure, and effective nuclear operations over time. By convening participants from across the globe, the School strengthens individual competencies while also helping build an international network of professionals committed to preserving and advancing nuclear knowledge for future generations.
