Aalto Nuclear Safety program consolidates nuclear energy research

The program will host a new master level course package and it will foster the cooperation of Aalto University researchers. It will also support participation in large international research ventures and increase the societal impact of nuclear energy science.

The program is part of the Aalto Energy Platform for open and dynamic collaboration in energy research. It aims to tighten the cooperation in research and teaching as well as with companies, the public sector and other research organisations.

– All activity in nuclear energy in Aalto University will now be gathered under a common program. This way can make the best and efficient use of existing resources, explains Department of Applied Physics Professor Filip Tuomisto, Director of the program.

Aalto University provides responsibility for international ventures

Tuomisto asserts that Aalto University must retain the public image of the significant and responsible educator and scientific contributor that it actually is.

– The Aalto Nuclear Safety program promotes internal collaboration in the university. Most of all, we support participation in big research ventures, both nationally and internationally. Also Aalto University’s infrastructure for experimental research will be put into an increasingly efficient use.

– Aalto University’s expertise in nuclear energy consists of small streams. If we do not join them together, the work we do will appear scattered, reminds Tuomisto.

The funding for the program will come both from Aalto University and significant stakeholders, particularly from industry. The program will, for instance, support the role of basic science in externally funded projects, financially back cooperation when applying for external funding, and advocate participation in national doctoral programmes in the field of nuclear energy.

 – Affluence in funding is particularly crucial for joining international ventures, which often require research that is funded independently, stresses Tuomisto.

Nuclear energy in Finland requires 200 new recruits annually

The political commitment in Finland to nuclear energy and to building new reactors will lead to a growing demand of educated work force. Also considerable retirement in the near future will increase the need for new experts.

– During the next 12 years, there is demand for 200 highly educated employees every year in the industry. Aalto University is the single most significant educator in the field, which only makes it more crucial to gather the field together in the university, emphasises Tuomisto.

Tuomisto is preparing a cross-disciplinary course package for master level students in the Aalto University schools. The package comprises existing courses to make a concise whole with which engineering students can complement their major subjects. The program will launch in spring 2014 with an introductory course for nuclear energy. It is aimed at students who wish to have all the basic knowledge of the field.

– Consistent education makes sure our graduates are well employed and they have the knowledge they need to develop their expertise in industry.