Passing the torch: ANENT- The Asian network for education in nuclear technology

Recent trends show that the nuclear industry is poised for expansion for the first time in decades. The greatest expansion is seen in Asia. Out of 15 new nuclear power plants connected to the grid during the period 2000-2002, 12 are in Asia. In 2002, all new nuclear plant construction was in Asia. Besides energy generation, nuclear technology has an important role in meeting basic human needs - clean water, modern health care and food security. The expansion in the nuclear industry requires a sustainable, qualified and experienced workforce to ensure a high level of safety and performance as well as the next generation of innovative technologies. Even where no expansion is foreseen, it is vital that steps are taken to prevent the loss of accumulated knowledge to ensure that the operation of existing nuclear facilities meets the highest safety requirements and to prepare for decommissioning activities. Ageing of the nuclear workforce in many countries has prompted the nuclear community to initiate various programmes to address the issue of the ageing workforce, which is worsened by the declining interest in the nuclear field among the young. In 2002, the IAEA General Conference adopted a resolution on 'Nuclear Knowledge' (GC(46)/RES/11B), which was reiterated in the 2003 General Conference (GC(47)/ RES/10B). These resolutions emphasized the importance of nuclear knowledge management and called on Member States to strengthen their efforts in this activity. In response to the resolutions, the Agency convened a consultancy meeting to prepare the groundwork for the establishment of the Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT). ANENT was established in 2004 to promote, manage and preserve nuclear knowledge and to ensure the continued availability of talented and qualified human resources in the nuclear field in the Asian region. The First Coordinating Committee meeting in February 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marked the official formation of ANENT. Membership is open to universities, research centers, government agencies and other institutions involved in nuclear education and training. As of April 2004, 17 institutions and three collaborating institutions had become participating members