NUCNEXT-2025 International Conference: Focus on Innovation and Successful Cases
In recent days, the VII International Scientific and Technical Conference NUCNEXT-2025: ‘Prospects for the Implementation of Innovations in Nuclear Energy’ took place. The event traditionally spanned two days and was held in the halls of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The organizer, the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, brought together more than 200 participants, most of whom were researchers, specialists from relevant institutions, experts, representatives of the industry from the international organizations, and young professionals.
During the conference’s plenary session, the participants discussed Ukraine’s energy development strategy, construction of new power units, global trends in the nuclear energy, and predicted conditions for the implementation of small modular reactors. Considerable attention was devoted to challenges posed by wartime conditions—from new safety requirements to Zaporizhzhia NPP occupation. Oleksii Dybach, Director of SSTC NRS INTENSA Center, in his presentation addressed selected legal and technical aspects of military impacts on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Initiatives related to innovation development, international cooperation, and creation of a national platform for the future development of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector were also presented.
The work of the conference was divided into seven sections. The sectional panel ‘New Materials and Technologies for Safe and Efficient Nuclear Energy’ brought together presenters from the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants and the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute, the National Science Center ‘Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology’, the M. Polyakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics, and IPP-Center LLC.
A separate section was dedicated to the NURECAB Project—a platform aimed at fostering cooperation between the EU and Ukraine in the field of nuclear research, education, and training. Participants discussed the results of the analysis of gaps in nuclear education, strengthening of educational programs at leading universities, and integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European nuclear community.
For the first time, the conference featured a new presentation format Atom Slam, in which participants had five minutes to present their research, project, or effort in the nuclear energy field in an engaging and humorous way. Among the seven Atom Slam participants, the best one was selected based on audience preference. The winner was Vitalii Khomenko from PNPP, who presented a pipe-crawling robot used at nuclear power plants.
At the ‘Innovation and Communication in Nuclear Energy’ section, SSTC NRS leading expert Anna Skorospielova shared successful experience in implementing the ‘Communication’ Project, which was developed specifically for SNRIU experts with the support of the Norwegian regulator DSA. Uatom.org editor Alona Yarushevska delivered a presentation on the role of Uatom.org in creating high-quality content on nuclear and radiation safety. The main mission of the resource is to provide verified expert materials written in clear and accessible language. The website actively counters disinformation promptly informing the public and publishing up-to-date materials. Uatom.org has long served as a platform for professional discussions and is oriented toward the needs of the public.
This year’s NUCNEXT conference served as a platform for discussing the key challenges and prospects for the development of nuclear energy. According to the conference’s decision, legislative support should be prioritized for the nuclear sector; in particular, the industry requires institutional reforms, investment stimulation, and implementation of new technologies. The level of the conference confirmed the significant high potential of Ukrainian scientific schools and engineering expertise that are shaping the future of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector.
Uatom.org Editorial Board
Photo: Ukrainian Nuclear Society