Innovation, Safety, and Development: Results of the International Conference NUCNEXT–2025

On September 25–26, 2025, the VII International Scientific and Technical Conference NUCNEXT–2025: “Prospects for Implementing Innovations in Nuclear Energy” was held at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Nuclear Society in cooperation with SE NNEGC “Energoatom”, the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the Council of Young Scientists at the Department of Energy and Energy Technologies of the NAS of Ukraine.

Over two days, more than 200 participants — including representatives of government bodies, researchers, educators, Energoatom specialists, international experts, and young professionals — discussed the key challenges and prospects for the development of nuclear energy.

The participants addressed issues such as the implementation of innovations in nuclear power, research on new materials for nuclear reactors, the construction of new nuclear power units, the deployment of small modular reactors, as well as dosimetry, radiation monitoring, cybersecurity, and the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

The conference also actively discussed training and education for the nuclear sector, particularly within the framework of the NURECAB consortium, which unites the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, SE NNEGC “Energoatom,” leading scientific institutions, and nuclear-oriented higher education establishments — including the Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology” of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.

Participants also focused on analyzing gaps in nuclear education, enhancing academic programs at leading universities, and integrating Ukrainian researchers into the European nuclear community.

Karazin University was represented at the conference by Pylyp Kuznietsov, Director of the School of Physics and Technology, and Serhii Lytovchenko, Head of the Department of Reactor Materials and Physical Technologies. They presented the current results of the NURECAB project and actively participated in the discussions.

In addition, Oleksandr Moroz, a PhD student at the Department of Reactor Materials and Physical Technologies, reached the finals of the informal event “Atom Slam: Nuclear Speakers” with his presentation “Electrolyte-Plasma Treatment of Metal Surfaces.”

The NUCNEXT–2025 Conference once again confirmed Ukraine’s strong scientific and engineering potential in the field of nuclear energy, its ability to respond to modern challenges, and its integration into the international nuclear community.

As a result of the conference, a key resolution was adopted aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s energy security and contributing to the reconstruction of the national economy.