Nuclear Regulator and TUT to Set Up Memorandum of Understanding

Nuclear Regulator and TUT to Set Up Memorandum of Understanding. In collaboration with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), the Faculty of Science at TUT will embark on an exciting journey.

TUT and NECSA representatives met in September 2023 to discuss establishing a Memorandum of Understanding that will foster collaboration in the fields of Nuclear Research and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Nuclear Regulator and TUT to Set Up Memorandum of Understanding

South Africa’s academic and scientific landscape was shaped by this important meeting, which recognized the specialized need for nuclear scientists and engineers to train the next generation. TUT was chosen as the ideal partner by NECSA to construct a second nuclear reactor.

Nuclear science and engineering skills are in short supply, which is one of the key objectives of this partnership. Energy, healthcare, and industry are among the sectors where nuclear technology is important. TUT and NECSA are collaborating to prepare future-ready graduates, which is crucial for the country’s scientific and economic growth.

NECSA provided TUT delegates with a comprehensive overview of its history, including its contributions to science and the economy. NECSA has been a key player in the country’s scientific landscape since it developed and applied nuclear technology.

NECSA and TUT discussed a range of topics. Through field excursions and in-service training opportunities for TUT students, the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Built Environment could gain hands-on experience in nuclear facilities with an overarching Memorandum of Understanding.

A guest lecturer will be provided by NECSA for TUT’s nuclear science and engineering modules. Researchers and postgraduate students at TUT will also be able to access NECSA’s cutting-edge instrumentation, enhancing their research capabilities, facilitating research, innovation, engagement, and technology transfer.

Professor Yvonne Paul, Faculty of Science Acting Executive Dean, reported that collaborative efforts were discussed to securing funding for nuclear science research, postdoctoral and undergraduate studies, as well as bursaries. Nuclear Science Programmes are being developed by both institutions, aligned to the qualification benchmarks at North-West University.

TUT and NECSA are both committed to creating an engagement team that will drive this initiative forward. Collaboration plan implementation will be overseen by this team as well as decision-making processes. Prof Paul believes the partnership will help address the skills gap in nuclear science and engineering while contributing to the development of South Africa’s scientific and economic sectors.

South Africa’s commitment to advancing science and technology exemplifies the nation’s commitment to the future through collaborations such as TUT and NECSA. Partnerships like these are important steps toward a brighter, more scientifically robust future for our nation.

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