IAEA Director General Inaugurates S N Bose Building at GCNEP, Launches Nuclear Engineering Certificate Course to Foster Global Expertise.
New Delhi:
In a significant step toward advancing nuclear research and technology, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), inaugurated the newly constructed S N Bose Building at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) in New Delhi today. The event also witnessed the introduction of a groundbreaking six-month Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering aimed at training the next generation of nuclear experts globally.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, marked a key milestone in India’s increasing role as a leader in nuclear energy and technology. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, who reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to advancing nuclear technology and global cooperation for societal and economic development.
The S N Bose Building, named after the renowned Indian physicist Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose, is poised to become an advanced research and training hub. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, the facility will significantly enhance GCNEP’s capabilities in various critical areas such as nuclear security, reactor technology, radiation safety, nuclear material characterization, and radioisotope applications. This cutting-edge infrastructure is designed to support the Centre’s specialized schools, furthering global collaboration in nuclear science.
In addition to the building’s inauguration, the introduction of the Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering was another highlight of the event. This six-month, comprehensive program will offer an in-depth exploration of nuclear reactor physics, the nuclear fuel cycle, radiological safety, nuclear safeguards, and emerging applications of nuclear technology. The course is open to GCNEP member countries and aims to train 40 international and 10 national participants per batch. The initiative is part of the IAEA’s efforts to equip future nuclear professionals with the necessary skills to ensure the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy worldwide.
GCNEP’s member countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting advanced reactor technologies, workforce development, education, and public outreach in the nuclear sector. The discussions also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as energy security, climate change, and public health, particularly in areas like cancer care and technical cooperation.
The presence of diplomats from GCNEP partner countries, senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the DAE further underscored the importance of fostering global partnerships in nuclear energy. The role of nuclear power in achieving Net Zero emissions and contributing to sustainable energy solutions was a key theme during the event.
The GCNEP continues to solidify India’s position as a global hub for nuclear research and capacity-building, aligning with the nation’s broader vision of promoting sustainable energy solutions and combating climate change on the global stage.
