Under the leadership of the IAEA, the LMP began in 2023, aiming to foster female talent among professionals and doctoral students specializing in nuclear disciplines. Previous sessions have been held in the United States, South Korea, and Argentina. This time, 373 applicants from 81 countries applied, with 15 selected participants joining the program. Regarding the high number of applications, Associate Professor DEMACHI Kazuyuki from the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management at the Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, commented, “It appears many applicants are attracted to Japan. The unique elements of the Japanese program, such as visits to Fukushima Daiichi, also have an excellent reputation.” He also expressed hope that the program would enhance participants’ technical knowledge and leadership skills, thereby promoting greater female participation in the nuclear sector.
Spanning approximately two weeks, the program includes classroom-based training in the first half and site visits to nuclear-related facilities in the latter half. Lecturers from the IAEA, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and nuclear industry manufacturers will provide instruction on topics such as nuclear safety and waste management. Planned site visits include Chubu Electric Power’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plants, TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi and the Decommissioning Archive Center, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Oarai Research Institute, Nuclear Safety Research Reactor (NSRR), and the Naraha Remote Technology Development Center.
Additionally, cultural experiences showcasing Japanese traditions are planned in Shizuoka Prefecture. An organizer noted, “We’ve heard positive feedback on cultural activities from the previous program held in South Korea. Through uniquely Japanese activities, we hope to foster smoother communication among participants.”
