From May 12 to 15, nearly 700 participants from five continents and 38 countries gathered in Warsaw for FISA EURADWASTE 2025 and the SNETP Forum. This unique conference brought together researchers, industry leaders, policy experts, students, and entrepreneurs with a shared goal: to advance nuclear energy’s role in Europe’s clean, sustainable, and secure energy transition.

FISA EURADWASTE is the 11th edition of the International Euratom research and training conferences on fission safety of reactor systems and radioactive waste management, held under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event was co-organised by the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN), the European Nuclear Society (ENS), the ENS Young Generation Network, together with us at the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP).

For the first time, the annual SNETP Forum was fully integrated into this larger flagship conference, amplifying its impact and bringing fresh energy and focus to discussions on innovation, policy, and strategic partnerships. This integration provided a unique opportunity to bring our SNETP community together in Poland, fostering stronger collaboration and enhancing the exchange of expertise across the nuclear sector.

Over four intensive days, 157 participants from research institutes, 150 from universities and colleges, and a diverse mix of industry professionals, public sector representatives, and entrepreneurs shared the latest innovations, exchanged ideas on strategic partnerships, including the European Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and discussed the future of nuclear energy in Europe.

Whether you joined us in Warsaw or want to dive deeper into the outcomes, this recap highlights the key discussions and key takeaways of the conference.

Day 1: A Focus on the Future

The conference opened with a strong commitment to generational renewal in the nuclear sector, dedicating a full day to the Young Generation with workshops, career activities, and the ENEN PhD Event and Prize. Young nuclear professionals also took part in the “Youth Vision for 2050” workshop, producing the statement “Nuclear by 2050: A Vision for Action,” reflecting their commitment to a decarbonised future with nuclear at its core. Read the full vision here. The event highlighted the urgent need to invest in early-career talent, as Europe will need to recruit approximately 150,000 new professionals by 2035 to meet growing workforce demands.

In parallel, SNETP held its General Assembly, where Bernard Salha and Peter Baeten were re-elected as President and Vice-President, respectively. Their continued leadership was widely welcomed as a strong endorsement of stability and continuity during a pivotal time for the European nuclear sector.

Day 2: Policy, Innovation, and Public Engagement
The High-Level Opening marked a significant moment for European nuclear dialogue. Keynote speeches from leaders such as Ekaterina Zaharieva (European Commission), Marzena Czarnecka (Polish Ministry of Industry), Jacek Bylica (IAEA), and William D. Magwood IV (OECD/NEA) set the stage for strategic reflections on the role of nuclear in addressing energy, climate, and security challenges. The opening panel was moderated by SNETP’s freshly reelected president, Bernard Salha, alongside Jadwiga Najder from the European Nuclear Society, one of SNETP’s key partners.

Throughout the day, participants explored the evolving European nuclear ecosystem, with discussions centred on achieving net zero by 2050, the role of youth and civil society, and the value of coordinated public engagement. Projects like EURAD-2 and PIANOFORTE were highlighted as examples of research that directly support safety, waste management, and radiation protection goals.

Elisabeth Guillaut, Orano and SNETP General Secretariat member, moderated the first plenary session with Domenico Rossetti Di Valdalbero of the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation, discussing research and policy frameworks driving innovation and sustainability. The second pleanry sessions, led by Amparo Soler from Women in Nuclear Global and Virginie Solans from NAGRA, emphasized diversity, inclusion, and empowering women in the sector.

Three parallel sessions tackled key challenges shaping Europe’s nuclear future. Luis Enrique Herranz, CIEMAT and SNETP General Secretariat member, moderated a panel on innovative and safe long-term operation approaches for facilities, radioactive waste pre-disposal and long-term storage solutions and radiation protection enhancements. Peter Baeten, SNETP Vice-President and Director-General of SCK-CEN, highlighted the role of Small Modular Reactors as crucial for energy security and decarbonisation. A session on lessons from recent new builds featured Lou Martinez, Westinghouse CTO and SNETP board member, and Baptiste Pothet, Framatome and NUGENIA Chair. Throughout, speakers emphasized that innovation, international cooperation, and supportive policies are essential for a resilient and competitive European nuclear sector.

Poster Exhibition and SNETP Networking Cocktail Reception

The conference also featured a dedicated poster exhibition, presenting over 150 carefully selected and reviewed research posters that showcased the latest advancements in the key fields of the sector. A special section was devoted entirely to SNETP’s project portfolio, highlighting 20+ ongoing research projects across its three main pillars: NUGENIA, NC2I, and ESNII.

To make the exhibition more interactive and accessible, we launched the “Did You Know About Nuclear?” quest. This experience was thought as an innovative game designed to engage visitors to join and discover the exhibiton area during the coffee breaks. By scanning QR codes on the posters, participants were guided through the exhibition while discovering interesting nuclear facts.

Later that evening, participants gathered for the SNETP Cocktail Reception, providing a relaxed setting to exchange ideas while enjoying cultural performances by the Warsaw University of Technology and reflecting on the sector’s shared values. Additionally, attendees engaged with an Interactive Nuclear Vision Board, where they shared the biggest challenges they face, offered vision statements for the next 5, 15, and 25 years, and expressed their needs. This invaluable input will help SNETP shape its role in driving the sector forward.

Day 3: Enabling Innovation and Collaboration

Day 3 sessions focused on the strategic drivers behind Europe’s nuclear innovation and autonomy. The morning plenary, featuring SNETP member Erika Holt from VTT, explored how investments in advanced fuel cycles, digital technologies, and hybrid energy systems can bolster the EU’s competitiveness. Parallel sessions deepened these themes: Parallel II.2 (WH2), moderated by SNETP Governing Board member Eero Vesaoja from Fortum, focused on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies for Safe and Sustainable Nuclear Activities.” Meanwhile, Parallel II.3 (WH3), moderated by SNETP member Michael Fuetterer from EC JRC, addressed “Solutions to Non-Electric Energy Demand Including Hybrid Energy Systems.” This session featured a panel of distinguished SNETP members, including Józef Sobolewski, Director for HTR Development at NCBJ and Chair of NC2I; Paul Nevitt, VP Science and Technology at NNL; and Stéphane Sarrade from CEA.

In the afternoon, attention shifted to the social responsibility of the nuclear sector and the crucial challenge of knowledge transfer. Conversations emphasized the societal impact of nuclear energy, the preservation of expertise, and the urgent need to attract and retain skilled talent. A panel moderated by SNETP’s Secretary General, Abderrahim Almazouzi, highlighted inspiring European success stories in research, development, and innovation.

Throughout the day, key topics included the integration of AI and digital tools to improve safety and sustainability, the role of small modular reactors and advanced reactors in meeting emerging energy demands, and initiatives to promote diversity, education, and public engagement.

Day 4: Research for Safety, Partnerships for the Future

The final day of the conference started with a plenary session on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Speakers highlighted the crucial role of strong research facilities and international collaboration in addressing today’s challenges. Fulvio Mascari, researcher at ENEA and active SNETP member, shared important insights on advancing safety research. The session was moderated by Leon Cizelj from the Jožef Stefan Institute and Alessio Iuvara, Italian YGN, INYG. It featured Ulla Engelmann, Director of Nuclear Safety and Security at the EC Joint Research Centre, who stressed the need for consistent regulations and robust frameworks.

As the day progressed, three parallel sessions delved into pivotal topics for the future of nuclear energy in Europe. The first session focusing on pioneering investment and innovative financial models explored how creative funding strategies can accelerate research, innovation, and demonstration projects. Andrei Goicea, Policy Director at nucleareurope and SNETP Governing Board member, brought an informed perspective on the financial challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

Simultaneously, the second session examined innovation beyond traditional nuclear technology emphasizing the transformative potential of high tech cross sectoral applications. Moderated by Christophe Schneidesch of Tractebel, SNETP Governing Board member, and Krislin Sartakov from European Nuclear Society’s Young Generation Network, the discussion illuminated how advancements from diverse industries are being leveraged to enhance nuclear safety, efficiency, and public acceptance.

The third session led by Roger Garbil from the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation together with Anna Talarowska from the European Nuclear Society’s Young Generation Network highlighted the vital role of European research infrastructures, open access, and international cooperation. Speakers like Sander De Groot, founder and technical lead at THORIZON and an active SNETP member, illustrated how shared platforms and global partnerships are accelerating progress and fostering knowledge exchange.

A major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Westinghouse Electric Company and INSA Lyon which will provide the university’s MATEIS laboratory with state of the art testing equipment. This collaboration is set to advance materials science research critical to both current nuclear reactors and next generation technologies.

The day and the conference concluded with an innovation awards ceremony celebrating excellence across the sector followed by the presentation of High Level Conclusions. These final remarks encapsulated the week’s achievements and laid out a clear vision for ongoing collaboration, strategic investment, and innovation. Together, these efforts will ensure Europe’s nuclear industry remains safe, sustainable, and competitive in meeting the continent’s energy and climate ambitions.

Looking Ahead: Key Takeaways

As participants now visit research and industrial sites across Poland, several messages resonate clearly from the week:

  • Youth engagement is imperative. The commitment and curiosity shown by young professionals throughout the forum confirm that the next generation is ready. The task now is to empower them with real opportunities.

  • Public trust is essential. Facts are not enough; long-term policies and transparent communication must be prioritised to build confidence in nuclear energy as a sustainable solution.

  • Europe needs cross-border cooperation. From regulation to R&D and education, collaboration is the engine driving resilience and excellence in the nuclear sector.

  • Supply chain fragility and funding remain constraints. However, the role of EURATOM continues to be vital in providing coherence and continuity.

  • Nuclear must be recognised as strategic. It is not just a low-carbon technology but a critical enabler of Europe’s energy sovereignty and climate goals.

  • Research remains the backbone of progress. Whether in advanced fuels, digital tools, or societal outreach, it is research that connects vision to action.

Photo Gallery and Resources
📸 A full gallery of photos capturing key moments, sessions, and side events is available here.
🎥 Livestream recordings and session replays can be accessed here.

You can also find all presentation supports in the event app.

The FISA EURADWASTE 2025 & SNETP Forum may have concluded, but the outcomes will continue to shape policies, projects, and partnerships in the months and years ahead. On behalf of the organisers and partners, thank you to all participants for their contribution to a successful and forward-looking edition.