The 12th International Symposium on Harmonious Nuclear Power (ISSNP 2026) was held at Harbin Engineering University (HEU) from 29 to 31 October, bringing together global experts to discuss cutting-edge topics in nuclear energy under the theme “Symbiotic Nuclear Energy for a Sustainable Future”.
Gloria Kwong, Head of the IAEA Section on Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation, attended the opening ceremony. GAO Keli, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Nuclear Society; Leon Cizelj, former Chairman of the European Nuclear Society; and YIN Hang, Vice President of HEU, delivered opening remarks. Fourteen fellows from the IAEA LMP were also invited to attend the symposium.
GAO Keli stated that the Chinese Nuclear Society is dedicated to advancing nuclear science and technology and promoting its practical applications, and strives to build a high-end platform for academic exchange and cooperation. The society will further expand international exchange channels in the nuclear field and work with experts and scholars worldwide to broaden and deepen cooperation, injecting sustained momentum into the global nuclear energy industry.
Leon Cizelj noted that the symposium brings together scholars from across the globe to discuss nuclear safety concepts and frontier technologies, building consensus for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. He highlighted that artificial intelligence presents new opportunities for nuclear energy development, and encouraged experts to harness new technologies to drive innovation, consolidate disciplinary foundations, uphold nuclear safety standards, and cultivate well-trained, responsible young nuclear talents to jointly support the safe and orderly growth of global nuclear energy.
YIN Hang remarked that HEU, with a long-standing commitment to global nuclear energy development and open education, is currently the only Chinese university holding IAEA Nuclear Education certification. Taking the symposium as a new starting point, the university will continue to advance its global nuclear strategy, deepen cooperation and exchange with scholars at home and abroad, and collectively promote the development of nuclear science and technology in a safer, smarter and more sustainable direction.
During the keynote session, scholars including Professor CAO Liangzhi from Xi’an Jiaotong University, Researcher ZHENG Mingjie from the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Luigi Mercatali from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, and Professor ZHANG Meng from the HEU College of Nuclear Science and Technology shared the latest research advances in fields such as advanced reactor physics, new reactor development and spent fuel reprocessing.
In parallel sessions, participating experts, scholars and young students engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest research findings, creating a vibrant and interactive academic atmosphere.
Since its inception, the ISSNP 2026 has been held successfully for 12 editions, and has grown into an important academic and talent exchange platform for the nuclear energy sector, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
