World Nuclear University

This article is part of the Nuclear Spin project of Spinwatch.

Background

The World Nuclear University (WNU) was established in 2003 under the auspices of the World Nuclear Association, headquartered in London. The WNA's other founding supporters include the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

At the inaugral ceremony were many of the key pro-nuclear players at the time, including, amongst others:

• John Ritch - Director General, World Nuclear Association
• James Lovelock
• Hans Blix - IAEA Director General-Emeritus and WNU Chancellor
• Mohamed Elbaradei - Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency
• David King - Chief Science Advisor to UK Government
• Luis Echavarri - Director General, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
• Zack Pate -WANO Chairman-Emeritus and WNU Chairman of the Board
• Sig Berg - Managing Director, World Association of Nuclear Operators
• William Timbers - CEO, US Enrichment Corporation
• Hugh Collum - Chairman, BNFL
• Gerald Grandey - President and CEO, Cameco Corporation
• Geoffrey Ballard - CEO, General Hydrogen
• Anne Lauvergeon - CEO, Areva Group

Mission Impossible?

The WNU's logo includes the phrase "Atoms for Sustainable Development". It says its its mission is to develop:

• "The safe and increasing use of nuclear power as the one proven technology able to produce clean energy on a large global scale; and

• "The many valuable applications of nuclear science and technology that contribute to sustainable agriculture, medicine, nutrition, industrial development, management of fresh water resources and environmental protection".