Applications open for World Nuclear University Summer Institute 2027
The World Nuclear University Summer Institute 2026 programme in Lyon came to a close this month. As we congratulate and thank the 2026 cohort for their dedication to learning and development, we look ahead to next year’s Summer Institute.
You can watch the location reveal video below or continue reading to find out where the 2027 Summer Institute will take place.
The Summer Institute is World Nuclear University’s flagship five-week leadership and professional development programme for high-potential mid-career professionals in all areas of the nuclear energy industry. It brings together Fellows from across the global nuclear sector to strengthen leadership capability, deepen industry knowledge and build the international networks needed to support nuclear delivery worldwide. Through the programme, participants develop the ability to think systemically, communicate with credibility, and lead effectively in safety-critical environments, while forming a global peer network that extends long after the programme concludes.
Delivered through a combination of expert lectures, mentored group work, industry-focused projects, and technical site visits, the Summer Institute equips Fellows with the skills and tools to navigate the complexity of today's nuclear sector. Participants learn to connect concepts across disciplines, navigate ambiguity with healthy scepticism, and challenge assumptions through critical thinking and new knowledge. They develop the ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, balancing technical, social, environmental, and business considerations, while strengthening their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently to diverse audiences.
Opening the 2027 application cycle earlier than in previous years is intended to give organisations more time to identify and nominate high-potential talent, align participation with workforce planning and succession planning, and complete internal approvals, funding arrangements, visa applications and travel preparation.
The 2027 Summer Institute will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 30 May to 3 July 2027.
Key dates
- 6 July 2026 – Applications open on WNU website
- 16 October 2026 – IAEA TC-sponsored application deadline
- 27 November 2026 – Deadline for all other applications
- 4 December 2026 – Final admissions communicated to Fellows.
As the global nuclear industry continues to grow, developing capable, collaborative leaders has never been more important. Organisations committed to shaping the future of the sector are encouraged to invest in their talent through the Summer Institute, helping to equip the next generation of professionals with the leadership skills, global perspective, and international networks needed to drive nuclear delivery worldwide.
Read the latest DG’s Desk blog on LinkedIn from World Nuclear Association Director General and World Nuclear University President Sama Bilbao y León, reflecting on the importance of leadership development and the success of the Summer Institute 2026 cohort in Lyon. Bilbao y León shares why developing the next generation of nuclear leaders is central to turning today’s ambition into action.
The programme website and application form are now live, please share through your networks and encourage suitable candidates and partner organisations to apply.
See FAQs on the WNU website about candidate profiles and how to apply.
