I'm a Nuclear Scientist! Online Stem Enrichment Inspiring the Next Generation of Nuclear Advocates

There has been no in-person interaction between schools and nuclear professionals since February 2020, making it impossible for researchers and industrialists to meet moral and funding obligations for engagement with schools and the public. This schools engagement project aims to generate impact from academic research and industrial activities by improving pupils’ career aspirations whilst promoting clean energy. This paper describes our experience taking STEM enrichment activities wholly online, by enabling direct contact between people working in the nuclear industry and academia with school pupils, hopefully inspiring younger generations to consider STEM and nuclear careers. The objective is to address the national STEM skills shortage by encouraging young minds to contribute to the clean energy revolution, beginning with school STEM enrichment. The long-term success of the nuclear industry relies on a pipeline of new entrants, and this paper describes a national effort linking companies across industry with each other and with academia towards this common goal.42 scientists, engineers and other professionals (“role models”) working in nuclear energy have been asked questions about their work and career by 388 schoolchildren during an intensive 3-week period, in which the I’m a Scientist platform has hosted the “Nuclear Zone”. This paper describes the activity and the industry’s next steps to achieving the aims of improving the public perception of nuclear fission technology, sustaining key skills for the long term, and increasing diversity of the workforce.