On March 26, at the International Forum ATOMEXPO-2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU, one of Rosatom Partner Universities) and Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
The document was signed by TPU Acting Rector Dr. Leonid Sukhikh and Director General of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board Dr. Fidele Ndahayo.
Thus, TPU became the first Russian university to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwanda Atomic Energy Council.
The parties agreed to develop cooperation in terms of education and research in the field of nuclear physics and technology. Thus, among the main directions are the development of joint academic programs, teaching students from Rwandan universities at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs, delivering professional development courses and seminars for the Atomic Energy Board, organizing internships, and actively using distance learning tools.
“With the participation of Rosatom, it is planned to create a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in the Republic of Rwanda. Tomsk Polytechnic University, being a Rosatom flagship university, has successful experience in human resources development and methodological documentation design as a part of the implementation of Rosatom for the construction of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Bolivia. Thus, to date, about 40 future employees of the Center have studied and are studying at Tomsk Polytechnic University. The university has more than 70 years of experience in training in-demand personnel for the Russian nuclear industry; in recent years, we have been actively developing international educational nuclear programs in the interests of Rosatom’s partner countries. This is facilitated by the unique educational and research infrastructure of TPU – the only operating university research nuclear reactor in the country, a cyclotron, projects related to nuclear medicine. We are grateful to our partners for their trust and look forward to further fruitful cooperation,” noted Dr. Leonid Sukhikh.
“Cooperation with Tomsk Polytechnic University is important for our HRD cooperation as we plan mobility and internship programs both for students and RAEB specialists at TPU. TPU has unique infrastructure and the Memorandum today is only the first step to our long-term cooperation,” said Dr. Fidel Ndahayo.
Let us recall that earlier the staff of Tomsk Polytechnic University conducted a series of informational and popular science lectures on all the possibilities for the peaceful use of nuclear technologies for students from Rwanda. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, universities, the National Regulator and the Rwanda National Atomic Agency.
The ATOMEXPO International Forum is the main event of the global atomic industry. It is the largest exhibition and business platform for discussing the current state of the atomic industry and setting trends of future development. Held since 2009, the Forum is attended by managers of key companies in the global atomic industry, government agencies, international and public organizations, and leading experts. The Forum format includes an exhibition and congress with an extensive business program, the key event of which is a plenary session. Panel discussions and roundtables discuss topics that are most important for the atomic industry. Leading companies in the global atomic industry and related industries present at the exhibition their technologies and competences.
As part of demonstrating Rosatom’s commitment to the climate agenda, compensation of the carbon footprint of the XIII International Forum ATOMEXPO-2024 will be ensured using special certificates.