TOPIC : Education and training (Bologna and Copenhagen processes)

Topic Description

Specific challenge: One of the main goals of Euratom from its inception in developing research and training programmes is to maintain nuclear expertise by generating knowledge (research) and developing competences (training). A key concern of industry and policy makers (in particular, regulators) world-wide is that human resources could be at risk, especially because of high retirement expectations and low renewal rates in countries with a tradition of nuclear installations and a strong need for further specialised training in emerging nuclear energy countries. More specifically, within the EU, the nuclear education and training community is faced with the challenges of lifelong learning and cross border mobility. This action should be undertaken under the umbrella of the Technology Platforms and other authoritative expert bodies concerned.

Scope: Special attention is to be devoted to the further implementation, in the nuclear and relevant medical and industrial sectors, of the EU policies stemming from the Bologna and Copenhagen processes[1]. Education and training organisations (notably at university or equivalent level) are invited to submit proposals in close collaboration with the “end–users”, i.e. industry, research and regulatory organisations. A special effort should be devoted to the development of European Masters and summer schools for the continuous professional development of researchers and other private/public actors. The implementation of the action will need coordination involving research and educational institutions, practitioners in the respective area, regulators, equipment manufacturers and stakeholders from different Member States. Particular attention shall be paid to gender balance in the composition of project teams.

Expected impact: This activity will accelerate and optimise the development of competences in the nuclear area with a special focus on nuclear safety culture and radioactive waste management. It will contribute to the creation and transfer not only of knowledge but also of skills and competences in a well-focused and practical manner. In the long term, it will contribute to improving the safety and radiation protection culture and hence, the safety of nuclear installations in the EU.

Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions.

Additional information: The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the Euratom of between EUR 1 and 3 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

[1]     Bologna process (1999) for academic education (European Credit Transfer and accumulation System/ ECTS), providing a robust basis for Euromaster programmes and doctoral schools, the Copenhagen process (2002) for Vocational Education and Training (European Credit System for VET/ECVET), fostering the synergy between the worlds of education / training and of work / industry