YGN Plenary I

Keynote panel: Strategic steps for the Young Generation to meet 2050 needs

This Keynote session will explore the future of nuclear energy: what will be the future policy trends, the impact of science and innovation, and the importance of education and training in sustaining progress in the nuclear sector? The expert views on these topics will spark reflections and inspire for discussion about shaping the future with sustainable nuclear technologies.

Introduction – Andrea Kozlowski, Chair, European Nuclear Society - Young Generation Network

Strategic steps for the Young Generation to meet 2050 needs:

What holds the future for nuclear energy?
Jorge Tanarro Colodron, Policy Foresight, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

What holds the future for nuclear E&T?
Gabriel Pavel, Executive Director, European Nuclear Education Network

What holds the future for nuclear science?
Héloïse Goutte, Scientific Director for Energy, CEA

Q&A, discussion starting the youth pledge reflection

Three parallel sessions

YGN Session I.1: Nuclear for Climate media training

The workshop aims to give participants a basic understanding of public speaking, advocacy and media handling techniques, based on the COP conference experience of the Nuclear for Climate initiative. The focus will be on communicating about nuclear energy with background information on the role of nuclear in climate efforts provided to participants by the speakers.

Hugo Bernat, Nuclear for Climate (invited)

YGN Session I.2: How to build a nuclear career

This session will focus on navigating a career in the nuclear sector. Through interactive activities led by an HR professional, participants will get insider tips on building a successful career path including choice of jobs, CV building and applications stage and international mobility. 

Thomas Thor workshop, Callum Thomas, Founder and CEO, Thomas Thor (invited)

YGN Session I.3: European Nuclear Education Network PhD event (continues after break)

The objectives of the ENEN PhD Event are to show the dynamism of the nuclear sector by bringing together excellent PhD students from different nuclear disciplines and countries on an inspiring event where they can share and present their state-of-the-art research, in particular experimental work, and connect with other PhD students and professionals on innovative nuclear science in a transdisciplinary environment.

Three parallel sessions

YGN Session I.4: Energy Market simulation

Workshop presenting basics of energy system and putting into practice system management by usage of IAEA energy market simulation tool called PowerInvest. Participants will work in groups to determine energy mix that is optimal in terms of performance and price for given weather and market conditions.

IAEA market simulation tool workshop, Brianna Lazerwitz, Energy Economist, IAEA

YGN Session I.5: Nuclear in the EU: crash course

The position of nuclear in different European institutions will be presented in a concise and interactive way. Participants will learn which elements of the EU lawmaking relate to nuclear and how they influence the development of the sector. Additionally, the session will be an occasion of presenting opportunities that the EU holds for careers, international mobility, and professional development in the nuclear sphere.

Seif Ben Hadj Hassine, Policy officer - Research & Innovation, DG RTD, EC

YGN Session I.3: ENEN PhD event

See above.

YGN Plenary II: Nuclear Future - Youth Pledge

This extended workshop invites participants to analyze and define key priorities for the successful development of the European nuclear sector from the Youth point of view. From industry to science, the brainstorming will focus on enabling nuclear energy to serve European energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable development. The workshop’s conclusions will be formulated into a pledge, to be presented at the Opening Session of the FISA-EURADWASTE 2025 & SNETP Forum 2025.

Guided tour of Warsaw (participation is on a first-come, first-served basis)

1. The tour begins at 7 pm - the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel, Grzybowska 63.
    
2. Guides will lead you through the center of Warsaw, where there will be a stop at Grzybowski Square and a story about the Palace of Culture and Science and relics of the pre-war city. You will see the Saski Garden and walk along Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. This will be an opportunity to learn about the most representative buildings and monuments of history. You will pass by the gate of the University of Warsaw, see the church where the heart of Frederic Chopin rests, the Presidential Palace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other interesting places.
    
3. You will end the walk in the Old Town, where you can admire the Royal Castle and greet the legendary Mermaid. 
    
4. After the walk at 9 pm you will have the opportunity to listen to a Chopin recital (Krakowskie Przedmieście 56). The concert will end at approximately 9:30 pm. 

High-Level Opening of the Conferences FISA-EURADWASTE 2025 & SNETP Forum 2025

Plenary Open I

European Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe and Euratom, Poland the host and its ambitious programme, European stakeholders, Fora and YGN, and benefits of Euratom provided by International Organisations

• Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President European Commission, Prosperity and Industrial Strategy (invited)
• Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State, Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, Ministry of Industry, PL
• Jacek Bylica, Chief of Cabinet of M. Grossi, IAEA 
• William D. Magwood IV, Director-General, OECD/NEA 

Moderators:

• Bernard Salha, SNETP
• Jadwiga Najder, European Nuclear Society

Plenary Open II

• Emmanuel Brutin, Director General of nucleareurope, nucleareurope, FR
• Borys Budka, Chair of the ITRE Committee (invited)
• Baiba Miltoviča, President, TEN, EESC
• Juan Carlos Lentijo, Chair, ENSREG

Moderators:

• Domenico Rossetti Di Valdalbero, EC DG RTD
• Elisabeth Guillaut, Orano, FR

Plenary Open III

• Guilleaume Bouyt, Sous-directeur de l'industrie nucléaire, Direction générale de l'énergie et du climat, FR (invited)
• Andrea Kozlowski, Chair, ENS-YGN 
• Aneta Korczyc, Director-General, ZUOP, PL
• Agnieszka Pollo, Acting Director, NCBJ, PL

Moderators:

• Amparo Soler, Women in Nuclear Global
• Virginie Solans, NAGRA, CH

Plenary session I ("Achieving Net Zero by 2050 in Europe")

Nuclear contribution to achieve a decarbonisation of the European Economy in an efficient and responsible way. The landscape of the European and global nuclear market is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a mix of political, economic, environmental, and technological factors.

Panelists:

• Ladislav Havlicek, Director, Ministry of Industry and Trade, CZ
• Ilkka Poikolainen, President and CEO, Posiva, FI
• Brianna Lazerwitz, Energy Economist, Section Planning and Economic Studies, IAEA
• Olivier Dubois, Commissaire ASNR, FR
• Rafał Kasprów, Chief Executive Officer – ORLEN Synthos Green Energy sp. z o. o, OSGE, PL

Moderators:

• Paweł Gajda, Director of Nuclear Energy Department, Ministry of Industry, PL
• Youssef Fargani, French YGN, SFEN JG

Three parallel technical sessions

Parallel I.1 ("Preserving safely the European assets, pioneering advances for safe horizons")

Innovative Long-Term Operation approaches, pre-disposal and long-term storage solutions in leading countries and radiation protection enhancements.

Panelists:

• Jean-Christophe Huchard, Directeur Production Amont, EDF, FR
• Bram-Paul Jobse, CFO, EPZ, NL
• Markéta Dohnálková, SÚRAO, Chair of IGD-TP, CZ
• Soufiane Mekki, RWMC/CDLM, NEA/OECD
• Tomasz Bury, Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, PL
• Christophe Bruggeman, Deputy Director-General, SCK-CEN, EURADSCIENCE, BE

Moderators:

• Luis Enrique Herranz Puebla, CIEMAT, ES 
• Miriam Diaz, Spanish YGN, Jovenes Nucleares

Parallel I.2 ("The European Alliance to develop, demonstrate and deploy SMRs by early 2030s")

Small Modular Reactors for the European Market.

Panelists:

• Peter Baeten, Director-General, SCK-CEN, BE
• Olli Kymäläinen, Technical Director, Fortum, FI
• Virginie Wasselin, Chef du service stratégie filières, ANDRA, FR
• Ghislain Pascal, Policy Officer, DG ENER, EC
• Hidde Baars, Director Government Affairs NL and EU, URENCO, NL
• Jan Prasil, Director, Ministry of Industry and Trade, CZ

Moderators:

• Angelgiorgio Iorizzo, EC DG RTD
• Fabio Nouchy, Italian YGN, Tractebel BE, INYG

Parallel I.3  ("Nuclear new build in Europe")

Lessons learned from the experience of newly built (NPP, research reactors, URL, RWM facilities), delivering on time and budget by continuous improvement in all areas.

Panelists:

• Andrzej Sidło, Counsellor to the Minister, Ministry of Industry, PL
• Lou Martinez, CTO and Executive Vice President of R&I, Westinghouse, ES
• Juha Poikola, Manager and Public Relations, Teollisuuden Voima Oy, FI
• Pascal Charles, Directeur R&D Production & Ingénierie, EDF, FR
• Vlad A. Savulian, Manager digital lifecycle solutions, ADKRONGROUP, RO

Moderators:

• Baptiste Pothet, Framatome, FR
• Alexandre Havard, French YGN, SFEN JG

Welcome cocktail by SNETP with a performance by the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Warsaw University of Technology.

Plenary session II ("Enablers for Innovative nuclear, strengthening the EU strategic competitiveness and autonomy")

Technological, financial and collaborative enablers.

Panelists:

• Thomas Rief, Director R&D, Woelfel, DE
• Ioana Davidescu, EC DG Competition, BE (invited)
• Massimiliano Tacconelli, Director Nuclear and Big Science, Waltertosto, IT
• Erika Holt, Principal Scientist, VTT, FI
• Frederik Reitsma, Section Head, Nuclear Power Technology Development, IAEA

Moderators:

• Marta Vázquez, EMPRE, ES
• Benoit Erbacher, IYNC

Parallel II.1 ("Innovative nuclear fuel cycles and materials strategies")

Fuel cycle innovations (Accident-Tolerant Fuels, advanced and innovative fuel types, MOX and others, HALEU, multi-recycling, closed fuel cycles) and radioactive waste minimisation towards a circular economy, innovative materials (high temperature, corrosion resistant). 

Panelists:

• Lorenzo Malerba, Profesor de Investigación Materiales, CIEMAT, ES
• Virginie Solans, NAGRA, CH
• Thibault Louvet, Marketing & New Nuclear Executive Vice-President Orano Group, FR
• Paul Schuurmans, Scientific Adviser, SCK-CEN, BE
• Szavai Szabolcs, Head of Department, AEMI, HU
• Véronique Rebeyrolle, Fuel BU R&D and IP Senior Manager, Framatome, FR 

Moderators:

• Mykola Dzubinsky, EC DG RTD
• Pau Aragon, Spanish YGN, Jovenes Nucleares  

Parallel II.2 ("Artificial intelligence and digital technologies for safe and sustainable nuclear activities ")

The application of advanced technologies like AI and digital twins are critical for the future of nuclear energy. These innovations can help ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable nuclear activities. 

Panelists:

• Istvan-Réka Szöke, Deputy Director, Head of Applied Physics, IFE, NO
• Jani Halinen, Head of Nuclear Energy research, VTT, FI
• Eren Cam, IEA
• Patrick Morilhat, Director of R&D, EDF, FR
• Ander Wik, R&D Manager for Nuclear and Digitalization, Vattenfall, SE
• Nelly Ngoy Kubelwa, Division of Nuclear Power, IAEA

Moderators:

• Eero Vesaoja, Fortum, FI
• Gunjan Indauliya, Women in Nuclear YG

Parallel II.3  ("Solutions to non-electric energy demand including hybrid energy systems")

Cogeneration and simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat (or other forms of energy) improves the overall efficiency of energy use and offers several advantages, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the use of fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Collaboration with energy intensive end-users. Cross-sectoral industrial cooperation for secure, reliable and affordable energy.

Panelists:

• Józef Sobolewski, Director for HTR Development, NCBJ, PL
• Michele Frignani, Nuclear Technology and Safety, Ansaldo, IT
• Nicola Rega, Executive Director, Climate Change and Energy, CEFIC, BE
• Slavica Ivanovic, SMR Innovation Project Lead, Tractebel, ME
• Paul Nevitt, VP Science and Technology at NNL, UK
• Stéphane Sarrade, Direction des Programmes Énergies, CEA, FR

Moderators:

• Michael Fuetterer, EC JRC
• Alexis Amachree, Women in Nuclear YG

Plenary session III ("Empowering future generations and engaging with civil society")

Sustainability, safety, and societal acceptance of nuclear energy and technology can ensure a well-informed, skilled, and engaged community of professionals and stakeholders in the definition of the energy mix. 

Panelists:

• Nadja Zeleznik, Senior Researcher, EIMV, SI
• Francisco Javier Elorza Tenreiro, President, ENEN
• Stefano Monti, President of ENS, ENS
• Philippe Charry, Member TEN, EESC, FR
• Teodora Retegan Vollmer, Head Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling, Chalmers, RO
• Jana Kalivodova, Senior Scientist, CVR, CZ 

Moderators:

• Seif Ben Hadj Hassine, EC DG RTD
• Luka Stancev, ENS-YGN

Three parallel technical sessions

Parallel III.1 ("Addressing social, ethical, and cultural factors towards Sustainable Development Goals")

By addressing these social, ethical, and cultural factors, Europe can more effectively transition to a carbon-neutral economy that is inclusive, just and sustainable. Key considerations and strategies have to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Panelists:

• Florian Rauser, Vice-President, Federal Office For Radiation Protection, BFS, DE
• Alena Mastantuono, Vice-President of TEN, EESC, CZ
• Tanja Perko, Researcher, SCK CEN, BE
• Emilia Janisz, PL 
• Myrto Tripathi, President, Voices of Nuclear, FR
• Marco Ricotti, Professor, Dipartimento di Energia, Politecnico Milano, IT 

Moderators:

• Jessica Johnson, Communications & Advocacy Director, nucleareurope UK/BE
• Hugo Bernat, Belgian YGN, BNS-YGN

Parallel III.2 ("Cooperation to attract and retain skills and competencies and preserve knowledge and expertise")

Addressing the talent gap in the nuclear sector requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, training, reskilling and knowledge transfer, workforce development, international collaboration, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, innovation, public and private engagement. By implementing these strategies, the nuclear industry can attract and empower the next generation of experts, ensuring a sustainable and innovative future.

Panelists:

• Michèle Coeck, Director, Nuclear S&T Academy, SCK CEN, BE
• Brian Eriksen, Team Leader EHRO-N, Euratom Coordination, EC JRC, NL
• Gabriel Pavel, Executive Director, ENEN, RO
• Nawal Prinja, Technology Director, Amentum, UK
• Jochen Ahlswede, Head of Research/International Department, BASE, DE
• Thibaud Reysset, Project Director, I2EN, FR 

Moderators:

• Alexandru Tatomir, BGE, DE
• Iñigo Gayo de Leon, Jovenes Nucleares YG, ES

Parallel III.3  ("Success stories in Research, Development and Innovation in the EU")

European Member States, the European Commission and Euratom, European Technology Platforms and Industrial Alliances can create successful stories in nuclear research, development, innovation, and demonstration technologies. This multi-faceted approach will help to achieve technological advancements, enhance safety, and gain public acceptance for nuclear technologies in Europe. 

Panelists:

• Mariano Tarantino, Head of Nuclear Energy Systems Division, ENEA, IT
• Petri Kinunnen, Research and Quality Manager, VTT, FI
• Héloïse Goutte, Directrice scientifique énergies, Euratom STC, CEA, FR
• Alfons Weisenburger, Group leader, KIT, DE
• Marta Serrano, Head of the Materials for Energy Department, CIEMAT, ES
• Maria Śmietanka, National Contact Point Department at the National Centre for Research and Development, PL

Moderators:

• Abderrahim Al Mazouzi, SNETP, FR
• Archita Rajkumari, ENS-YGN

Plenary session IV ( "Research and innovation supporting safety, security and safeguards ")

The European and global nuclear markets are characterised by a mix of mature and emerging technologies, diverse regulatory environments, and varying levels of public acceptance. While facing significant challenges, the nuclear industry holds substantial opportunities for contributing to clean energy transitions and meeting future energy demands. Strategic investments, technological innovation, and international collaboration will be key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring  safe, secure and sustainable nuclear activities. 

Panelists:

• Valéry Detilleux, Section Head, Bel-V, BE
• Ulla Engelmann, Director Nuclear Safety and Security, EC JRC
• Javier Dies Llovera, Commissioner Nuclear Safety Council, CSN, ES
• Fulvio Mascari, Researcher, ENEA, IT
• Akos Horvath, Director-General Centre for Energy Research, HUN-REN, HU
• Jean-Christophe Gariel, Directeur général adjoint, chargé du Pôle Santé et Environnement, ASNR, FR 

Moderators:

• Leon Cizelj, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI
• Alessio Iuvara, Italian YGN, INYG

Three parallel technical sessions

Parallel IV.1 ( "Pioneering investment and financial models towards innovation and demonstration")

Mitigating Risks, Securing Financing towards innovation and demonstration. Addressing these aspects, international collaborations in nuclear research, innovation, and demonstration can effectively mitigate risks, secure necessary financing, and ensure robust project management, thereby enhancing the chances of project success and long-term sustainability.

Panelists:

• Michel Berthelemy, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, OECD/NEA
• Alberto De Min, Chief Business Officer, Newcleo, IT
• Kornelia Kwapisz, WiN Polska/OSGE, PL
• Ximena Vasquez-Maignan, White Case, ES
• Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State, Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, Ministry of Industry, PL
• Andrei Goicea, Policy Director, nucleareurope, BE 

Moderators:

• Michal Tratkowski, EC DG RTD
• Ana Gonzalez Felgueroso, ENS-YGN

Parallel IV.2 ("Innovation beyond technology and high-tech cross-sectoral applications")

Innovations in industrial technology have broad applications across various high-tech sectors, including aerospace, nuclear, space exploration, maritime sector, aviation, and particle accelerators... Innovations beyond nuclear technology that can benefit the nuclear sector often come from non-nuclear industries. These innovations can enhance efficiency, safety, public perception, and overall effectiveness. These cross-industry applications can help address some of the key challenges facing nuclear energy and support its role in a sustainable energy future. 

Panelists:

• Arne Larsson, Radioactive Waste Technology and Decommissioning Services, Cyclelife Sweden (EDF group), SE
• Hamid Aït Abderrahim, General Manager, MYRRHA, BE
• Christoph Hoeschen, Chair Medical Systems Technology, Chair MEENAS, DE
• Tobi Menzies, Secretary, NEMO, UK
• Michael Huebel, Director-General, Euratom Supply Agency, ESA, LU
• Jamila Mansouri, Head of Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, ESA, FR 

Moderators:

• Christophe Schneider, Tractebel, BE
• Krislin Sartakov, ENS-YGN

Parallel IV.3  ("European research infrastructures, Open-access and International Cooperation")

Supporting access to key pan-European research infrastructures and promoting international cooperation are critical for advancing nuclear research and development. By fostering strategic partnerships, promoting mobility and exchange, and supporting joint infrastructure initiatives, the nuclear sector can enhance its research capabilities, drive and accelerate innovation for the EU market.

Panelists:

• Tatiana Ivanova, Head of Division of Nuclear Science and Education, OECD/NEA
• Nikitas Diomidis, NAGRA, CH
• Liz Ainsbury, Professor, Head of Radiation Effects Department and Head of Radiation Dosimetry Department, UKHSA, UK
• Sander De Groot, Founder and Technical lead, THORIZON, NL
• José Luis Martínez Peña, ESFRI Chair, CSIC, ES (invited)
• Alice Seibert, Principal Administrator, Nuclear Safety & Security, EC JRC, DE

Moderators:

• Roger Garbil, EC DG RTD
• Anna Talarowska, ENS-YGN

Plenary session V ("Achievements and key recommendations")

A brief summary of all plenary and parallel sessions

Rapporteurs:

• Said Abousahl
• Liisasofi Heikinheimo
• Mariusz Dąbrowski
• Daniela Diaconu

Closing the events 

• Wojciech Wrochna, Secretary of State, Plenipotentiary for Strategic Energy Infrastructure, Ministry of Industry, PL
• Bernard Magenhann, Director-General, EC JRC
• Peter Baeten, Vice-Chair SNETP, SCK CEN, BE (invited)

Technical tours

On Friday 16th May, participants will have the possibility to participate in the technical tours and visits to:

1. Option 1: National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) (100 tickets)
   
   NOTE: The centre is located 30 km from Warsaw. Transport will be provided - this is a full day visit, departure from Warsaw city centre at 08:00, and return to Warsaw city centre at approx. 17:30. Details will be provided to registered participants.
    
2. Option 2: Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (50 tickets)
   
   NOTE: Access is by public transport. A single, 75-minute ticket is PLN 4.40 (~1€). Travel time from the Hilton hotel is approx. 45-50 minutes. Details will be provided soon. Tour time is approx. 3-4 hours.
    
3. Option 3: Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Aviation (50 tickets)
   
   NOTE: Access is by public transport. A single, 75-minute ticket is PLN 4.40 (~1€). Travel time from the Hilton hotel is approx. 35 minutes. Details will be provided soon. Tour time is approx. 3-4 hours.
    
4. Option 4: National Radioactive Waste Repository in Różan (40 tickets)
   
   NOTE: Repository is located 110 km from Warsaw. Transport will be provided - this is a full day visit, departure from Warsaw city centre at 08:00, and return to Warsaw city centre at approx. 17:30. Details will be provided to registered participants.
    
5. Registration for technical tours
   The technical tours are free. Registration is required. The maximum size of each group is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. All centres require copies of passports from non-Polish visitors, and the ID number from Polish visitors. Take with you these documents during the visit - required for the security check.

Detailed descriptions of the visits can be found HERE.