Invest in knowledge
We guarantee the transfer of nuclear knowledge and skills to students, professionals and the general public.
1. 30 years of leading academic work
SCK CEN's doctoral programme reached its 30th academic year in 2022. Along with Belgian and foreign universities, the nuclear research centre has carried out some first-rate research. Numerous publications have found their way into scientific journals. The cherry on the cake was the 200th PhD diploma issued last year. 'Our PhD operation guides scientific talent towards the nuclear expertise of tomorrow,' says Michèle Coeck, Director of the SCK CEN Academy. Our training centre, in turn, has just turned 10 years old: the SCK CEN Academy was founded in 2012 to enhance SCK CEN's training activities and give them a clearer profile.
Today, the SCK CEN Academy is known as a training partner that offers numerous work experience placements, theses and post-doctoral positions and guides students. 'But we don't only contribute to academic training,' says Michèle Coeck. 'We also organise courses tailored to professionals, in Belgium and internationally. By participating in a range of networks, projects and advice groups, the SCK CEN Academy also provides policy support as regards to the development of nuclear competencies. On the occasion of the 30th and 10th anniversary, we brought SCK CEN Academy alumni together. We looked forwards and back, to the many opportunities and challenges we face.'
2. More than 2,700 visitors gather for 70 years of SCK CEN
SCK CEN turned seventy in 2022 and celebrated this with a festive visit weekend. There was much interest: in less than one week, all 2,700 visitors' places were filled. The control room for Belgian Reactor 1 and the virtual reactor bay of Belgian Reactor 2 drew a great deal of interested people. Visitors also discovered how SCK CEN is exploring new possibilities for better ways to combat cancer and the routes we are going down to dispose of radioactive waste sustainably.
Among the visitors were a great many young people, who we hope to inspire in the field of nuclear science and technology. 'Finding workers with sufficient competence remains a great challenge. Certainly for technical and scientific sectors such as the nuclear industry, healthcare and the associated research and government bodies,' says Michèle Coeck, Director of the SCK CEN Academy.
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Invest in infrastructure
Unique facilities are a decisive catalyst for pioneering research.
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Invest in foundations
We are lucky to have unique knowledge in a wide range of fields. This knowledge is used on a daily basis for numerous purposes, including the safe operation of nuclear power plants and space exploration.
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Invest in the future
A sustainable future will not be served to us on a silver platter. That platter has to be forged and the future, assembled. That work does not just happen. Someone has to take charge to pave the way. A pioneer. Find out in this annual report how SCK CEN is the pioneer of 2040.