The WANO Young Generation (YG) initiative provides a valuable platform for early career professionals within the nuclear industry to engage, innovate and connect with like-minded individuals to ignite their imagination and fulfil their curiosity in an evolving industry.

You can read the Young Generation Commitment below.

Working closely with other respected young generation-focused organisations from the industry, such as the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), North America Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), Japan Young Generation Network (JYGN) and the European Nuclear Society – Young Generation Network (ENS YGN)​, the initiative empowers nuclear professionals to collaborate and participate in activities – nationally, regionally and internationally.

Regional YG groups offer specific activities to engage with nuclear professionals at the early stage of their careers. These activities are designed with a key focus on supporting career development whilst re-enforcing the importance of maintaining a positive nuclear safety culture and preparing individuals to become the leaders of the future. Opportunities vary from region to region but can include participation in global networking meetings, short-term learning secondments and observation roles within WANO plant reviews.

Following the YG Forum, WANO hosts the Rising Star Awards, alongside the Nuclear Excellence Awards (NEAs), established in 2024 to recognise the talents, commitment, and accomplishments of the rising stars within our industry.

Speaker at Young Generation Forum during BGM
Photo of Young Generation at the Young Generation Forum at the Abu Dhabi BGM 2024
Speaker at Young Generation Forum during BGM
Photo of Young Generation presenting at the Young Generation Forum at the Abu Dhabi BGM 2024
Photo of Young Generation at the Young Generation Forum at the Abu Dhabi BGM 2024
Young Generation Forum – Abu Dhabi, 2024

Watch: WANO Young Generation Forum Participant Interviews.

The WANO YG mission is to create future leaders for safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants.

The WANO YG mission is to create future leaders for safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants.

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today

Changes in the​ nuclear workforce population and the decision of many countries to start a nuclear programme are a reality in all regions around the world. The need to attract young talent and retain knowledge within the industry is crucial and can pose challenges for WANO members. The steadfast commitment of our CEO, Dr. Naoki Chigusa, highlights our dedication to developing talent, transferring knowledge and ensuring the operational excellence of nuclear operations worldwide.  

WANO is committed to supporting our members and one way this is achieved is by supporting the career development of their high potential employees. WANO truly believes, these individuals will be the future leaders of our industry to provide sustainable safe and reliable operation of nuclear power worldwide.

We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and knowledge sharing as we work towards a brighter future in the nuclear industry.

membership levels

Young Generation Contacts

For more information or details of how to get involved please reach out to:

Atlanta Centre: Patrick Dickerson

London Office: Ellie Carnegie

Moscow Centre: Victoria Almikeeva

Paris Centre: Clara Sixto

Tokyo Centre: Kanagawa Kazuki

Integrated Suite of Services

WANO services help member plants compare themselves against global standards of excellence and reach higher levels of safe and reliable performance.

Peer Review

Help members compare themselves against standards of excellence through in-depth, objective review of their operations by an independent external team.

Trends and Performance monitoring

Collects, screens, and analyses operating experience and performance data from nuclear power plants and facilities worldwide. Provides members with lessons learnt and industry performance insight reports.

Industry Performance Improvement

Provides a forum to support WANO members to enhance their organisational and leadership performance whilst providing a platform for enhancing professional and technical knowledge.

Events and Networking

Key engagement opportunities that bring together nuclear operators of different areas and positions to establish and maintain close contact, to network and exchange operating experience, and benchmark against the highest standards.

New Unit Assistance

Supports members and new operating organisations during the transition from a project phase – including construction and commissioning – to safe and reliable operation.

Industry Working Groups

Working to solve issues in the industry by producing guidance, best practice documents and training. Many of them are eventually published as WANO documents.