The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and AtkinsRéalis have entered into a new partnership aimed at supporting women pursuing careers in nuclear energy and related scientific fields. The agreement was signed at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris and marks an expansion of the IAEA’s collaboration with private sector partners to strengthen gender diversity in the global nuclear workforce.
Under the new arrangement, AtkinsRéalis will provide financial contributions to the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP). The company will also fund a number of fellowships in the 2026/2027 academic year by offering bursaries to cover tuition fees for students pursuing postgraduate studies in nuclear-engineering disciplines.
Launched in 2020, the MSCFP supports women in nuclear-related master’s programmes and facilitates internship placements through the IAEA. To date, more than 760 women from 129 countries have been selected for the programme, with participation steadily increasing thanks to contributions from governments, institutions, and corporate partners.
“Our partnership with AtkinsRéalis reflects the IAEA’s commitment to working with innovative and non-traditional partners to shape the future of nuclear energy,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Together, we are strengthening the foundations of a safe and sustainable nuclear sector — and investing in the people who will lead it, through initiatives such as the IAEA’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme.”
Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, highlighted the importance of attracting skilled professionals to the nuclear sector at a time of growing global demand. “With a global nuclear market for 1,000 reactor new builds, advancements in new technologies like SMRs and nuclear fusion, and rising AI-driven energy demand, the need for highly skilled talent has never been greater,” he said. “As an original equipment manufacturer of nuclear technology, recruiting and retaining top talent, including women in science and engineering, is a top priority. By partnering with the IAEA, we are furthering our legacy of supporting women in engineering around the world.”
AtkinsRéalis brings extensive experience across the nuclear lifecycle, including design, construction, life extension, decommissioning, and waste management. The company’s engagement in the MSCFP is aligned with its broader mission to promote innovation, inclusion, and technical excellence across the energy sector.
The IAEA said the collaboration reflects its ongoing effort to engage private industry in advancing peaceful nuclear applications and preparing the next generation of professionals. Through this partnership, more women will have the chance to develop the expertise needed to contribute to nuclear innovation, addressing global challenges such as energy security, climate resilience, and advancements in healthcare.
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, named after the pioneering physicist and two-time Nobel laureate, was launched by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in 2020. The programme provides financial support to women studying nuclear-related subjects and offers opportunities for internships within the IAEA or partner institutions, helping to develop a more inclusive and skilled nuclear workforce for the future.
