The World Nuclear University-Tsinghua University Week 2023 (WNU-THU Week 2023) was held in Hengyang, China, from 10-14, July 2023, with the theme of the World Nuclear Industry Today. The event was sponsored by the World Nuclear University (WNU) and the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology of Tsinghua University (INET, Tsinghua), and locally organized by the School of Nuclear Science and Technology of the University of South China (USC). 89 students from 23 universities participated in the event, including 10 international master students.

Twenty-three experts from home and abroad were invited to deliver lectures during the week. Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, attend online and made an opening speech. The event was co-developed by Prof. Tong Jiejuan, Deputy Director of INET, Tsinghua University and Mr. Francois Morin, Director Asia at the World Nuclear Association (WNA). Prof. Liu Xuegang from INET co-chaired the event together with Mr. Morin.

The delivered lectures covered the following topics: the current status and future prospects of nuclear energy, nuclear power development in China under carbon peak and carbon neutral targets, development of passive nuclear power technology & CAP1400 R&D, small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, digital transformation of nuclear energy system, application of artificial intelligence in nuclear industry, radiation and nuclear accidents, radiation protection, nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear waste management, innovation of nuclear technology application, basic economics and nuclear project structuring, nuclear energy beyond electricity, the fundamentals of effective risk communication, nuclear energy and communication, etc.. Besides, the course also included a lecture on home employment opportunities, a panel discussion on international employment opportunities in the nuclear field, as well as group studies and presentations.

The local organizer arranged technical visits to USC facilities including the Nuclear Energy Virtual Simulation Laboratory, the Radiation Chemistry Laboratory, and the Radon Laboratory, as well as off-campus facilities like Hengyang 272 Factory and the Radiology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USC.

Attendees gave highly positive feedback to the event. “the organization is very good. The hosts were excellent. And the courses were very brilliant,” Said one of the students. Another student said, it was the best experience of his life. He would never forget such moment. Besides academic gains, he also made good relationship with new friends, and talked to top leadership of nuclear industry face-to-face.