In March 2018, an international meeting of young professionals from all around the world took place in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, at the IYNCWIN18 Congress. Young people had the opportunity to talk about their research and network with colleagues from all around the world. For the first time in the history of IYNC, a delegation from Russia (SC Rosatom) consisted of 19 members. That was an excellent experience for all participants on how to engage in international cooperation and collaboration.
In May 2018, a representative of the IYNC and participants of the Russian delegation to IYNCWIN18, together with employees of the nuclear industry and students from profile universities (TEMP-2018) met in Sochi as part of the Atomexpo 2018 event. At the end of the meeting, it was announced that this year Rosatom will host a large-scale event dedicated to youth: the Rosatom Youth Congress, for the first time.
The first Rosatom Youth Congress took place in the city of St. Petersburg, from 26 to 30 August, and gathered 700 participants. The leadership of Rosatom State Corporation took an active part in the Congress. Additionally, IYNC President Luca Capriotti, took part in an international session organized specifically for the Congress participants to talk about the role of IYNC, international cooperation of young scientists, and the opportunity to communicate without borders
“I think it is great that there is an event in Rosatom that can gather so many young scientists and experts to exchange best practices,” said Luca. He also participated in the seven different tracks at the Congress and shared his views on the current challenges of the nuclear industry.
European YGN Chair Nathan Patterson (left) and IYNC President Luca Capriotti (second from the left) with representatives from IYNC at the Rosatom Youth Congress in St. Petersburg, August 2018
At the international plenary session, Congress attendees had the opportunity to hear the Chair of the European Youth Nuclear Forum, Nathan Peterson. Nathan shared his experience of developing young scientists, as well as the opportunities and prospects in Europe. As a foreign speaker, Nathan conducted his presentation at several sessions throughout the Congress.
“Last year we organized a meeting of the European Youth Nuclear Forum in Manchester, in the UK, and I was interested to talk about my personal experience and to hear the opinions of my colleagues,” said Nathan. The representative of the World Association of Operators of Nuclear Power Plants Ricardo Chiarelli (WANO) also presented several reports on current trends in the development of nuclear energy.
At the congress, the President of the IYNC and the President of the Rosatom Youth Council agreed on extension of cooperation in future. Between February and August 2018, it was a really long journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to Sochi and then to St. Petersburg. In the end, the Rosatom Youth achieved a lot and, together with IYNC, are looking forward to achieving even more.
The delegates of the Rosatom Youth Congress in St. Petersburg, August 2018
