From March 25 to 27, 2026, one of the key events of the European nuclear community — SNETP Forum 2026 — took place in Madrid, Spain, bringing together leading experts, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers from across Europe.
The Forum served as an important platform for discussing current challenges and future prospects of nuclear energy in the context of the transition to a decarbonized economy, the deployment of innovative technologies, the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), digitalization, and the expansion of non-power applications of nuclear technologies.
Particular attention during the event was paid to innovation in the nuclear sector, including strengthening cooperation between research institutions, industry, and public authorities, as well as leveraging EU open innovation ecosystems to integrate digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cross-sectoral solutions.
Within the framework of the NURECAB project, a joint presentation was delivered by Sergii Pugach (Euratom National Contact Point, National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology”) and Kateryna Piliuhina (ENEN) during a parallel session dedicated to innovation in the nuclear sector. Their presentation, titled “Nuclear education and industry collaboration in Ukraine: Joint e-learning system,” focused on the development of nuclear education in Ukraine and strengthening cooperation between academia and industry.
During the presentation, a joint e-learning system was introduced, aimed at training future nuclear professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing professional competencies in line with current market needs. This initiative demonstrates Ukraine’s practical steps toward integration into the European research and education area and the implementation of innovative approaches in education.
The participation of Ukrainian representatives in the event was made possible, in particular, thanks to the support of the international NURECAB project, which promotes mobility, knowledge exchange, and the integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European scientific community. With the support of the project, the Forum was also attended by Ukrainian experts — Vladyslav Perekrest (Engineer, separate subdivision “Scientific and Technical Centre,” JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom”), Maksym Zarazovskyi (Chief Engineer, LLC “IPP-Center”), Volodymyr Revka (Head of Department, Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), and Stanislav Sholomytskyi (Consultant, LLC “Energorisk”), creating additional opportunities for professional networking and participation in international initiatives.
The Forum program included both strategic plenary sessions and technical parallel tracks dedicated to the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including SMRs and AMRs, long-term operation of nuclear power units, safety, fuel cycle, and the integration of nuclear energy with other energy systems. Special attention was also given to the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, the development of supply chains, and strengthening international cooperation as a key factor for successful innovation implementation.
A distinctive feature of SNETP Forum 2026 was the presentation of proposals for upcoming Euratom calls, providing an opportunity to introduce initiatives to the community and discuss them in advance within an expert environment.
The next SNETP Forum 2027 will be a юбилей edition, marking 20 years of the SNETP platform. In addition, Euratom will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027. Therefore, the next Forum is expected to be particularly rich in expert presentations and discussions.
The NURECAB project (GA No. 101173510) is funded by the European Union under the Euratom Research and Training Programme (Horizon Europe). The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.
