Ukrainian Nuclear Society and BSWN Roundtable: Advancing Women’s Leadership in the Nuclear Sector

On 25 November, the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, together with the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network (BSWN) and with the support of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), held a roundtable dedicated to the role of women in the development of nuclear energy.

The event brought together 25 participants — engineers, researchers, lecturers, representatives of nuclear power plants, government bodies, and specialized institutions. The discussions focused on overcoming barriers, professional growth, gender policy, and building an inclusive environment in the nuclear industry.

Karazin University was represented at the event by:

• Inna Afanasieva, Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Plasma Physics, Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology”;

• Kateryna Chkuaseli and Maria Pcholkina, first-year students of the Institute.

The participation of young specialists and a university lecturer became an important contribution to the dialogue on the future of the nuclear sector and the development of women’s leadership.

Discussions, Case Studies, and Practical Workshops

During the sessions and case studies, participants shared real stories of leadership, implementation of educational and engineering projects, and practices for promoting equal opportunities.
A psychological workshop was also held by a specialist from the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant.

The event concluded with a tour of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Women Shaping the Future of Ukrainian Nuclear Science

At the Physics and Technology Institute — and across Ukraine’s scientific community—women are playing an increasingly significant role: launching new research directions, contributing to complex engineering projects, and fostering a culture of equal opportunities in science.

Such events inspire young researchers and clearly demonstrate that the future of the nuclear sector is impossible without women’s leadership, talent, and scientific courage.