- Forty-one women from the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) attended the International School on Nuclear Security in Vienna.
- The two-week programme combined lectures, technical visits, and networking to strengthen participants’ knowledge and leadership in nuclear security.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has trained 41 young women under its Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) at the latest International School on Nuclear Security, held in Vienna, Austria.
“The school is designed to spark curiosity to help tomorrow’s experts see how regulations tie into practice, and to provide a comprehensive overview of key aspects of nuclear security,” said Marina Labyntseva, Head of the Education and Training Development Unit in the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “Through each activity and discussion, we want to provide clarity, not just on what nuclear security is, but why it matters for every single country.”
In its sixth edition since 2020, the school has covered vital areas such as international legal frameworks, physical protection, transport security, detection and response systems, and cyber and information security. Participants, drawn from 37 countries and diverse disciplines ranging from physics to diplomacy, explored how nuclear security connects global policy, science, and practice.
Over two weeks, fellows attended lectures, breakout sessions, and technical demonstrations, including site visits to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre and the Incident and Emergency Centre. The hands-on sessions showcased how international cooperation and rapid response mechanisms strengthen nuclear safety worldwide.
“This programme greatly enriched my experience in nuclear security, enabling me to deepen my knowledge, learn from renowned experts, and build meaningful connections worldwide,” said Clara Miarivola, an MSCFP fellow from Madagascar.
Networking and mentorship were central to the school’s design. “The experience has given me a new perspective on nuclear security,” said Intan Nafisah, an MSCFP fellow from Indonesia. “The experts were particularly inspiring, and I will promote nuclear security within my office and among my colleagues.”
Since its inception, the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme has supported around 230 women pursuing master’s degrees in nuclear-related fields, helping bridge the gender gap in science and technology. Applications for the 2025 cohort remain open until October 31.