Do you know how many women work in the nuclear sector?
Women make up less than a quarter of the nuclear workforce
For years, we've been told that attracting more women into STEM, particularly fields like nuclear physics, is too difficult.
The IAEA and its partners are showing the world that opening up a new future for women in these exciting fields is possible.
Why does it matter?
Climate change and a growing population are already driving a greater need for food and energy security, as well as access to cancer care. Building a workforce with a wide array of skills is crucial to overcoming these challenges.
"It shouldn’t be necessary to want to defy the system in order to engage in science and technology. The path must be paved to include all that talent we’re missing.
Different perspectives are fundamental for science. So it is time to take action."
— Karen Hallberg
Nuclear physicist at the launch of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
"The nuclear sector needs a range of different people — men and women, older and younger — with different ways of thinking, to find innovative solutions and keep moving forward."
— Mouza Al Zaabi
Senior Analyst, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, UAE
How are we doing it?
The IAEA’s two flagship initiatives aim to increase the share of women in nuclear by supporting highly motivated women at different stages of their academic or professional careers.
provides women with scholarships for a master’s programme in a nuclear-related field and the opportunity to pursue an impactful internship.
Since the launch of the programme in 2020, over 750 women have already transformed their passion into purpose.
is inspired by pioneer chemist and physicist
Marie Skłodowska-Curie
1867–1934
Curie discovered two elements
She was the first person, and only woman to this day,
to win two Nobel Prizes
Interested in learning how you can turn passion into purpose?
What about women already working in nuclear?
Participants have the opportunity to take part in professional visits to nuclear facilities, attending on-site lectures in project management and laboratory analysis and performing modelling and simulations using advanced nuclear technology.
is inspired by trailblazer physicist
Lise Meitner
1878–1968
Meitner was instrumental in the discovery of nuclear fission.
During her collaboration with chemist Otto Hahn, Meitner, together with her nephew physicist Otto Robert Frisch, provided the theoretical explanation of the process that was later called ‘nuclear fission’.
Meitner was nominated for the Nobel Prize 49 times.
She was nominated 19 times in chemistry and 30 times in physics, but she never won. However, in 1944 Otto Hahn received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their joint work.
Awards she received include the:
Lieben Prize • Max Planck Medal • ForMemRS • Otto Hahn Prize • Wilhelm Exner Medal • Enrico Fermi Award
She received the posthumous honour of having element 109 Meitnerium named after her.
Ready to empower tomorrow’s nuclear workforce?
Since 2020, more than 790 women from 129 countries have already benefitted from these IAEA initiatives.
Don’t just take our word for it. Listen to the women who are already turning their goals into reality.
How can you get involved?
Get involved by providing financial or in-kind support for:
Master's studies
We are determined to ensure that more qualified applicants can pursue their master’s degree in a nuclear-related field. By securing continued support from our current donors and welcoming new donors, we have the power to transform the nuclear workforce and create lasting impact by tackling global challenges together.
Internship placement
We are committed to expanding the types and scope of internship opportunities available through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. The internship placements not only empower the next generation of women entering the nuclear sector, but also unlock new potential for host institutions, who in turn receive valuable contributions and support.
Career development
The Lise Meitner Programme empowers participants with training and professional development opportunities while also providing the tools needed to succeed and grow in their careers. Thanks to our partnerships with academic and research institutions, organizations, and industry, both programmes are committed to providing women professionals with more career development opportunities, all while fostering a vibrant network that both partners and participants can use.
Spread the word!
Whether you're a participant, applicant, partner or donor, or simply passionate about the cause, you can easily spread the word via the icons in the top banner or with our ready-to-share social media assets below.
#NuclearNeedsWomen
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