Outreach & Community Engagement

At UNENE, we believe that how we advance nuclear science is just as important as the breakthroughs themselves. That’s why we’re deeply committed to fostering inclusive partnerships, collaborative communities, and meaningful outreach that reflects the diverse people and ideas driving innovation forward.

We work alongside our members, partners, and communities to champion clean energy, scientific advancement, and equitable participation. Our approach is people-first—supporting a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and lead.

Indigenous Engagement

UNENE and its university members are dedicated to cultivating respectful, inclusive environments that support and celebrate Indigenous students and communities. Across our network, universities have established a wide range of programs, student centres, scholarships, and community initiatives that reflect local needs and values.

While offerings vary by institution, the shared commitment remains: creating space for Indigenous voices, traditions, and leadership in academic and professional settings.

Explore Indigenous Support Services

🔗 Want to connect with Indigenous initiatives across our network? Explore our Members.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Our strength lies in our diversity. UNENE and its partners embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion as core pillars of excellence. We aim to amplify underrepresented voices, remove barriers, and create welcoming environments where all individuals—regardless of background—can thrive.

Across our member institutions, EDI efforts take many forms: from Women in Engineering groups and leadership roles dedicated to inclusion, to actionable EDI strategies and campus-wide initiatives. Together, we are building a nuclear community that is as diverse, dynamic, and forward-thinking as the future we envision.

EDI Resources

🔗 Want to learn about what initiatives are happening across our network? Explore our Members.

Strategic Partnerships

UNENE collaborates with Canadian and international partners to expand the impact of nuclear research, education, and workforce development. These valued partnerships strengthen both our network and the broader nuclear ecosystem through shared knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.

Below are highlights of some of our key partnerships and collaborative initiatives:

CANDU Owners Group (COG)

Agreement: Applied Research Agreement (2021)

Building on a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding, this partnership deepens university engagement in COG’s R&D Program. Together, we work to enhance industry–university collaboration through the UNENE Hub, driving joint research that supports Canada’s clean energy and sustainability goals.

European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN)

Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (2021)

UNENE and ENEN collaborate to advance nuclear education and training across borders—supporting expert development, knowledge preservation, and cooperative academic networks.

Joint Agreement (2021): UNENE also participates in a global collaboration between major nuclear education networks across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia to support outreach, educational tools, and workforce development.

Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS)

Role: Community Partner (since 2020)

As a community partner to OPG’s CCNS, UNENE contributes to advancing Canada’s leadership in nuclear decommissioning. Our shared focus includes leveraging Ontario’s supply chain and supporting decommissioning research through collaborative university-led projects.

Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)

Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (2020)

As a “Friend of NII,” UNENE supports shared initiatives across academia, government, and industry, exploring new ways to collaborate on innovation, research, and project evaluation.

Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC), University of Strathclyde

Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (2020)

UNENE and ANRC partner to create joint academic–industry collaboration models and develop capabilities for nuclear operations and maintenance. This Canada–UK partnership strengthens ties between nuclear academia, business, and government.

Canada–United Kingdom Nuclear Cooperation Action Plan

Led by NRCan and the UK Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, this plan includes UNENE deliverables such as a nuclear university capabilities directory, joint research, student exchanges, and collaboration with ANRC and NTEC to support climate action and SMR development.

Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI)

UNENE is an active OCNI member, supporting a vibrant Canadian nuclear supply chain that includes business alliances, training providers, and education-focused institutions across the country and abroad.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

UNENE supports IAEA’s mission to strengthen global nuclear education and human resource capacity. This collaboration includes co-developing educational materials, supporting training initiatives, and participating in nuclear knowledge management assessments.

UNENE also helps deliver the IAEA School of Nuclear Energy Management in partnership with COG and Ontario Tech.

Nuclear Technology Education Consortium (NTEC)

In collaboration with NTEC, UNENE develops joint curricula, exchanges instructors and students, and promotes innovation in nuclear teaching methods. Topics include safety, instrumentation, fuels, health physics, and reactor physics, contributing to broader student exposure and academic mobility.

Looking for more resources? Explore our news and events:

News

Explore the latest updates from UNENE and key nuclear industry news—stay informed, stay ahead.

Publications

Access key UNENE publications highlighting research, partnerships, and progress in nuclear innovation.

UNENE Events Calendar

View upcoming courses, conferences, and collaborations on the UNENE Events Calendar.