Fanny's fact check: Who works in the nuclear industry?
From the comic book: 'De Kiekeboes: Uranium-235'
In the latest edition of the comic strip De Kiekeboes, "Uranium-235'', Fanny Kiekeboe suddenly finds herself face to face with a mysterious cloaked figure. Then there's a surprising twist: it's not a male criminal, but a woman AND an IT specialist! Our compliments to the storyboard writers, because women also have a talent for science and STEM.
© In association with De Standaard Uitgeverij. All prints and storylines belong to them.
According to UNESCO, only 30% of scientific researchers were women in 2019. Although we do not have exact figures, we also see this gender imbalance in the nuclear sector.
It's a missed opportunity. Because studies show that science and engineering benefit from diverse teams: diversity fosters innovation and productivity and leads to better performance. There is also a growing realisation in the nuclear world that a gender balance can promote sustainability and innovation in the sector.
1 in 4 is a woman
What is the current situation? At SCK CEN, 1 in 4 employees are women. They hold various positions: from technical and administrative support staff to researchers, engineers and managers. Women are represented in almost every research group, but there is still work to be done. At SCK CEN, we have roughly equal numbers of women and men working in research groups such as biology, ecology and the human sciences. In other fields, including reactor technology and materials science, this 50/50 balance has not yet been achieved. Men outnumber women in these domains.
Growing toward diversity
SCK CEN supports existing initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity. A good example is our involvement in the 'High-Level Group on Improving the Gender Balance in the Nuclear Sector' of the OECD/NEA, and the 'Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme' of the IAEA. Both initiatives are intended to motivate women to pursue careers in the nuclear industry. In addition, we are also taking active action ourselves to encourage young people in STEM.
Female role models
Did you know that Marie Sklodowska-Curie won two Nobel prizes?
Her research into radioactivity heralded a breakthrough for science and medicine. In so doing, she became one of the greatest role models of all time. Female role models are crucial if we want to inspire young girls: they are proof of the possibilities, and encourage others to develop. That's why we're only too happy to get involved when our female colleagues are asked to take part in documentaries about women in science, or to talk about their research.
Breaking stereotypes
Fair enough. The new Kiekeboe comic threw us a red herring, as we assumed straightaway that Fanny's mysterious pursuer was a man. But the cloak hid more than just a female face, it also concealed some persistent stereotypes. Let's throw off the mask altogether and dispel some of the myths about working and studying in the nuclear world.
True or false?
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False!
The Belgian nuclear landscape currently offers a lot of challenges, and is booming in various domains. In the coming years, we therefore expect to see growing needs for well-trained workers in the nuclear industry. What growth potential is there then?
- Dismantling
Two of Belgium's seven nuclear energy plants will be operational for another 10 years, and at the same time, five will close their doors and start their dismantling. That means there will be various challenges in the coming decades: we will need new technologies, innovative approaches and ... a lot of employees!
- Small Modular Reactors
And it's not only about decommissioning in the sector. A new generation of nuclear energy is also on the way: Small Modular Reactors (SMR). At SCK CEN, we are conducting specific research - commissioned by the Belgian government - into a lead-cooled SMR. This type of reactor will help ensure that nuclear energy is safer and more sustainable. Read more >>>
- Cancer control
And the use of radioactivity is also on the rise in the medical field: it is giving a huge boost to cancer treatments. Would you like to know how? Then click the link now. Read more >>>
- Dismantling
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True!
The challenge of finding enough technicians, engineers and scientists in the future is formidable. We want to get that message across to students and teachers, and inspire them to choose the STEM route. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. These are the fundamental subjects on which further nuclear specialisations are based.
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False!
The journey never ends. It is vital to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. Science and technology don't stand still, and new knowledge and innovations find their way into the workplace.
And these challenges make it fascinating, lifelong learning is the motto.
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False!
At SCK CEN, it's not only people walking around in white coats or with their hands glued to a microscope. We also have plenty of other heroes: project leaders, HR colleagues, technical operators, multi-tasking administrative staff, IT wizards, ... Because a well-oiled nuclear machine needs a range of cogs.
Studying as a gateway to the nuclear industry
How do you end up in this industry?
Universities and colleges offer a wide range of courses that can lead to a career in the nuclear industry. For example, the Master's course in nuclear technology at the University of Hasselt (to which SCK CEN makes a nice contribution, by the way), or the BNEN programme.
Our SCK CEN Academy also creates other (training) opportunities for students, graduates and professionals.
Did you know that SCK CEN Academy counts on 150 enthusiastic colleagues who - each from their discipline - share their knowledge and expertise with current and future generations?
What opportunities are available thanks to SCK CEN Academy?
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Internship and theses
Every year, we welcome around 100 undergraduate and graduate students to do their internship or write their thesis with us.
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PhDs
Have you completed your Master's thesis but are keen to delve more deeply into research? You can do that with a PhD! Together with universities, we mentor PhD students. And with success! Since the start of this programme, more than 200 talented individuals have already earned their PhD.
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Master-after-master
The Belgian Nuclear higher Education Network (BNEN) is a unique, comprehensive Master-after-Master programme in nuclear engineering sciences. It is organised by a consortium of six Belgian universities and SCK CEN.
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Personalised training
Professionals can enhance their knowledge and skills by taking personalised training or continuing education courses at SCK CEN Academy. These courses focus on professionals from the industry, the medical sector, research organisations and government agencies involved with radioactive applications. Are you interested? Then check out the training offering.
An early start is half the battle
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon that we cannot perceive with our senses. And yet bright minds discovered its origins and are finding applications to use this phenomenon to generate electricity or treat cancer, for example. These 'bright minds' didn't dip their toes into the waters of science in middle age. Their interest arose at a very young age. And that's why we make a huge effort to get young people, and even the very youngest, to get a taste for science too. How do we do that?
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Science competitions
We organise, or are involved in science competitions, including the Flemish Physics Olympiad, the Nuclear Game Challenge and the ENEN2+ Nuclear Competition and Science Camp.
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Science Days
What better than getting a taste for science during Science Days? Every year, we have a stand at Nerdland Festival, Belgium's largest outdoor science festival, and we take part in Science Day (Dag van de Wetenschap).
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Teaching materials
The nuclear sector is more interwoven in our daily lives than we might realise. For example, disposing radioactive waste, fighting cancer, building windmills and also irradiating food to keep it fresh longer. It affects everyone, and therefore young people too. We support teachers to incorporate this in their lessons, by developing teaching materials in agreement with the end terms.
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Permanent exhibition
Does the word ‘radioactivity’ leave you scratching your head? Want to experience it for yourself? Then visit the permanent exhibition 'Expoo' at Tabloo in Dessel. There you will discover everything about the invisible world of radioactivity, radioactive waste and nuclear research at SCK CEN. Highly recommended!