KTH hosted Rising Stars workshop for women in nuclear science
During the Nobel Week, KTH hosted the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Global Forum Rising Stars Workshop, bringing together 40 early career women working across nuclear science, engineering, technology, education and policy. The workshop was organised within the NEA Global Forum Rising Stars Programme and marked the third edition of the initiative, following earlier workshops hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.
The Rising Stars Programme aims to identify and support women recognized as emerging leaders within the nuclear field and related disciplines. By hosting the workshop, KTH provided a platform for international exchange focused on research, leadership and career development, while strengthening professional networks among participants.
Focus on women, leadership and research
The programme at KTH combined keynote lectures, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and skills development activities. The workshop opened with welcome remarks from the NEA Director General and representatives from KTH, followed by a keynote lecture by Anne L’Huillier, Nobel Prize laureate in Physics 2023.
Several sessions addressed gender perspectives in science and technology. These included a panel discussion on empowering women in STEM careers, with contributions from academia and industry. Among the panel participants was Anna Borg, CEO of Vattenfall, alongside Anne L’Huillier and representatives from KTH. The programme also included a dedicated session focusing on gender in academia and industry .
In addition, participants presented their own research, creating opportunities for discussion across disciplines and career stages.
Exchange, mentoring and KTH environments
Beyond the academic sessions, the workshop featured mentoring activities, networking opportunities and visits to KTH research laboratories. Participants also took part in a poster session and networking dinner held in KTH’s Reactor Hall, providing further opportunities for dialogue between Rising Stars and mentors in a historically significant KTH research environment.
Reflections from participants emphasised the value of bringing together women from different countries and professional contexts within the nuclear field to share experiences and perspectives. Through hosting the Rising Stars Workshop, KTH contributed to the programme’s objective of strengthening international collaboration and supporting the next generation of women leaders in nuclear science and related areas.