Khalifa University holds graduation for record number of future nuclear experts

Khalifa University’s Gulf Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Institute (GNEII) hosted a graduation ceremony for its 20 fellows during a two-day symposium on nuclear safety, security and safeguards at Khalifa University’s Abu Dhabi campus. Held on May 19^th and 20th, the ceremony marked the largest number of fellows to graduate since the program’s inception.  

The students came from across the GCC, representing the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and underwent over 400 hours of training as part of the course. Twelve specialized nuclear instructors, who ran the program, were also in attendance at the graduation. The instructors came from Khalifa University, Texas A&M, Sandia National Laboratories and the World Institute for Nuclear Security. 

The symposium was opened by H.E. Ambassador Michael H. Corbin, The United States of America Ambassador to the UAE, and was attended by representatives from US Department of Energy, US Department of State, Texas A&M, and Sandia National Labs. Dr. Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President and Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Senior Vice President for Research and Development, also attended the event on behalf of the University.  

The event also attracted representatives from local entities such as, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA). 

Nine Capstone projects were presented by the GNEII fellows at the symposium as well. The Capstone projects represent the culmination of the 12 week GNEII course for the fellows, and discussed a wide range of topics, including: Pyrochemical Reprocessing, A Qualitative Assessment of Fuel Fabrication Options in the UAE, An Emergency Preparedness Plan for Radioactive Materials, and A Suitable Mobile Lab for UAE Conditions.   

Abdelaziz Al Madhloum, Manager for GNEII, said “Khalifa University wishes to congratulate the graduating fellows, and to thank our esteemed guests for attending the graduation and the symposium.  Programs like GNEII are vital to furthering the region’s quest to develop a peaceful nuclear program, as well as, become an intellectual and academic hub in the Gulf area.” 

He continued “GNEII’s mission is to develop a responsible nuclear energy culture and institutionalize key safety, security, safeguards and nonproliferation norms in the future decision-makers of the Gulf region nuclear energy programs by providing professional development and training events like this one.”  

GNEII is the result of a partnership between Khalifa University, Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and Texas A&M University’s Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute (NSSPI).  It was designed to give future nuclear energy leaders the necessary knowledge to support them in future decision making processes by providing an enhanced understanding of the safety, safeguards and security aspects of nuclear energy, as well as, offering the international community a model for an educational institute that addresses the integrated 3S (safety, safeguards and security) methodology.