The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Lise Meitner Programme (LMP), a flagship global initiative for the nuclear sector, concluded at Harbin Engineering University (HEU) on 30 October, marking the first time a Chinese higher education institution has hosted the prestigious scheme.
HUANG Wei, Director of the Division of Planning, Information and Knowledge Management (NEPIK) at the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, delivered an address via video link. LI Rongsheng, Deputy Party Secretary of HEU, attended and spoke at the closing ceremony, which was chaired by Ms Gloria Kwong, Head of the IAEA Section on Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation.
HUANG Wei commended HEU for delivering robust operational support for the programme and building a valuable platform for learning and exchange among participants. HUANG encouraged all fellows to build on the training as a foundation for continued work in priority areas such as nuclear safety and radioactive waste management, leverage the strengths of women in science and technology, and deepen cross-border collaboration to advance the safe, peaceful and sustainable development of nuclear energy worldwide.
LI Rongsheng noted that the LMP is designed to provide visiting research and training opportunities for early-to-mid-career female professionals in the nuclear field, to enhance both their technical expertise and managerial competencies. As the first Chinese university to host the programme, HEU has curated a diverse and comprehensive curriculum for participants. He expressed hope that fellows would apply their newly acquired knowledge to practice, share their insights from the programme, and serve as envoys for international exchange to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
LI Rongsheng also presented certificates of participation to all fellows.
The two-week training programme launched in Beijing on 19 October, with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, delivering an opening address via video link. YU Zhiwen, Vice President of HEU attended the opening ceremony and stated that the university would deepen its cooperation with the IAEA to support global nuclear talent development.
Throughout the programme, participants completed studies across Beijing, Tongliao and Harbin, taking part in academic courses, hands-on practical training, field visits and cultural experiences. These activities aimed to strengthen their professional capabilities in nuclear technology while developing their leadership and cross-cultural collaboration skills. During the programme, fellows visited multiple nuclear research institutes, universities and enterprises, where they observed heavy water reactors, advanced research reactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and production lines for key nuclear power equipment. They also gained insights into China’s progress in nuclear safety regulation, nuclear security and in-situ leaching uranium mining technology.
Alongside technical training, the programme featured a roundtable forum on women’s leadership, focusing on career progression for women in the nuclear sector. During the HEU-hosted phase, participants attended courses on leadership and nuclear safety culture, and took part in thematic seminars to develop their all-round competencies. In a cultural sharing session, fellows introduced their home countries through local cuisine, traditional costumes, historical sites and cultural stories, forging close bonds through cross-cultural exchange.
The LMP is a flagship initiative launched by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in 2023. As the first Chinese university to host this global IAEA flagship nuclear scheme, Harbin Engineering University provided full end-to-end support for its delivery, building a high-level cross-border exchange platform for female science and technology talents in the nuclear field from China and overseas. The programme has made a positive contribution to advancing global nuclear governance and deepening China’s international cooperation in nuclear energy.
Harbin Engineering University has maintained long-term, in-depth collaboration with the IAEA. In 2008, the university undertook the China-IAEA Nuclear Energy Cooperation Project (CPR4032) to improve the quality of nuclear discipline talent training in China. Since the launch of the Marie Curie Scholarship Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) in 2020, 28 Chinese and international female master’s students at HEU have received the award. In March this year, HEU became the only university in China to obtain IAEA Nuclear Education (INMA) certification. In September, to coincide with the 70th IAEA General Conference, the university hosted a side event for the Chinese Government Atomic Energy Scholarship Programme, showcasing its distinctive achievements in nuclear talent development to a global audience and earning high praise from the IAEA, the China Atomic Energy Authority and other organisations.
