Nuclear regulator to train varsity students on safety measures

Abu Dhabi Nuclear engineering students at Khalifa University will get the chance to acquire the academic skills required to work within the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). FANR and Khalifa University signed an agreement to cooperate on educating the UAE's future nuclear workforce on nuclear safety. The two entities will cooperate in research and development programmes for nuclear safety. They will also work together to exchange information aimed at training and increasing the technical capability of people involved in nuclear programmes. Education and training have been identified as a cornerstone of the critical infrastructure necessary to sustain a nuclear power programme in accordance with the UAE's Nuclear Policy issued in 2008, known as the White Paper. Responsible authority The Federal Law by Decree No (6) of 2009 Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy identifies FANR as the responsible authority for the regulation, licensing, inspection and general oversight of nuclear facilities in the UAE, including the facilities at Khalifa University that will conduct Regulated Activities as defined by this Law. "At Khalifa University, we are rapidly becoming a leading centre of international expertise on nuclear safety issues," said Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President of Khalifa University. The agreement provides guidelines so that both parties work together to prepare students with academic skills necessary to perform their job functions within FANR. "The reason that we work so closely together is to provide the students with the necessary information and skills to meet the safety and development needs, so that they can work within the UAE nuclear programme safely and to the highest international standards," Prof Philip Beeley, Chair of Nuclear Engineering Programme, told Gulf News. Highly qualified "The education and training provided is intended to help provide the students with the capabilities necessary to work and understand the research. The course work and projects are designed to help them be ready. The professors are all highly qualified and are there to guide the students and to provide continuing support and consultancy once they have returned to FANR," Beely added. "Nuclear Industry is a very unique world, where your learning is continuous and we discover new knowledge and gain new skills daily. Knowledge and skills not limited only for technical aspects but exceeds to outreach the interpersonal skills," said Osama Al Shehi, an Emirati student. "Nuclear Energy is a very promising world and it's a great opportunity to learn and develop. It triggers limitless ways to progress and grow, and I'm so lucky to be part of this world," he said.