The status and patterns of nuclear education in an anti-nuclear environment, Austria

Abstract

This paper describes the current status and basic patterns of nuclear education in Austria and highlights the Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM) activities of Atominstitute (ATI) through national and international networks. This institute hosts a TRIGA Mark II research reactor for research, training and education purposes. Austria has no nuclear power plant in operation because of the legislation prohibiting nuclear power production within its boundaries. Therefore, its nuclear education focuses on safety issues, i.e. environmental, health and engineering. This paper presents the increasing trend of students in nuclear subjects since 1995. The atomic institute is playing an active role in NKM through the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) association. Being the closest facility to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarter, it also facilitates the international training and educational activities regarding nuclear science and technology.