In a stride towards bolstering the country's nuclear capabilities, a protocol on the joint training of personnel for nuclear power plants has been greenlit by the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) and several leading educational institutions in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education reported.
The collaborative effort involves Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications, International Kazakh-Turkish University, and Kazakh National Research Technical University. This initiative aims to prepare specialists in crucial fields such as Nuclear Physics and Technology, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Reactors and Materials, and Nuclear Engineering.
The protocol, spearheaded by key figures including Vice-Minister of Science and Higher Education Darkhan Ahmed-Zaki and General Director of INP Sayabek Sakhiyev, outlines a comprehensive three-stage educational program. Practical training will be conducted at the Institute, utilizing the research stationary reactor VVR-K, while theoretical education will be provided at partnering universities.
One notable aspect highlighted during discussions was the imperative need for accommodations for future NPP specialists undergoing training. This requirement aligns with the state program and underscores the commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce for the burgeoning nuclear industry.
Vice-Minister Ahmed-Zaki emphasized the significance of INP's international collaborations, citing successful partnerships with renowned institutions like the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, CERN, and MIT. He expressed confidence that joint personnel training for nuclear power plants will be pivotal in advancing the nation's nuclear sector.
“Thanks to a joint program with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 200 bachelor’s and master’s students were trained as part of the double degree program of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation…Joint training of personnel for the future nuclear power plant will be an important step in the development of the country’s nuclear industry,” Vice-Minister Ahmed-Zaki noted.
During a presentation, General Director Sakhiyev underscored INP's robust infrastructure and expertise in training nuclear personnel. With facilities including a research reactor and support from international bodies like the IAEA, the Institute is well-equipped to cultivate talent for the industry.
As part of the proceedings, officials and university representatives visited the VVR-K research reactor, the sole multipurpose reactor in Kazakhstan. They were briefed on its technical specifications and witnessed firsthand its diverse applications, from fundamental research to the production of medical radioisotopes and industrial gamma sources.
The visit to the reactor offered insights into ongoing projects such as radiation staining of topazes, production of radioisotopes, and neutron transmutation doping of silicon. This hands-on experience further underscored the pivotal role of INP in driving advancements in nuclear science and technology.
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