Preserving nuclear engineering expertise while preparing for the nuclear power phaseout?

Considering the nuclear power phaseout scenario of step-by-step decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Germany, it is obvious that there will be continuing demand for highly qualified personnel for activities such as power plant dismantling, spent fuel management, management and ultimate disposal of radioactive wastes, operation of spent fuel repositories, and environmental radiation monitoring and radiation protection services. The time horizon for performance of those activities extends well beyond the 2050s. But how can availability of nuclear expertise and well-trained personnel be ensured for the years to come in the light of declining professional prospects? This first article and the two following in this issue deal with different aspects of this major problem, which is discussed from the perspective of science, academia and the nuclear industry. (orig./CB)