Year
2018
Abstract
The Gulf Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Institute (GNEII) has a vision to be a regional centre for human resource development for peaceful nuclear power programs. To build on the success during its first six years of operation, GNEII is evolving and expanding as it successfully transitions to operational ownership by Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. In this manner, GNEII is enhancing its capacity to develop a responsible nuclear energy culture and institutionalize key nuclear energy safety, safeguards and security (‘3S’), and nonproliferation norms in the future decision-makers of the Gulf-region nuclear power programs. In addition (and in close coordination with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic), GNEII is developing a modularized applied Master’s degree program that is flexible enough to meet the wide range of knowledge transfer needs to a diverse group of stakeholders with responsibilities in the nuclear ‘3S’ areas. This conference paper will introduce the structure and summarize the curriculum for GNEII’s applied Master’s degree program in nuclear energy infrastructure, as well as describe the Emirates Skills compliance requirements for this vocational education and training curriculum that supported its application for educational accreditation. GNEII’s plans for initiating this educational program to serve regional needs will also be discussed. This paper will also summarize other institute plans to leverage its role in helping Khalifa University recently being named an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre for Nuclear Energy Infrastructure and Human Resource Development. This distinction validates the world wide recognition GNEII has accomplished over the past six years and provides a strong foundation for the institute to continue this work. Finally, this paper will describe GNEII’s strategy on its quest to serve as a regional resource supporting the development and operations of responsible nuclear energy programs.