University of Toronto joins Canadian Nuclear Laboratories academic partnership program

The University of Toronto (U of T) has joined Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' (CNL) academic partnership program, becoming the tenth participating institution in the initiative. This effort aims to strengthen Canada's nuclear talent pipeline and support related research. A signing ceremony was held at the Schwartz · Reisman Innovation Campus, marking the formal establishment of the partnership between the University of Toronto, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

The academic partnership program will provide participating institutions with access to national laboratory infrastructure, technology, and expertise, with collaboration areas spanning clean energy, health care, environmental remediation, and national security, among others. This collaboration comes at a time when Canada's federal nuclear strategy has been released, which calls for the construction of new large-scale and small modular reactors, the expansion of CANDU exports, and increased investment in nuclear research and talent development.

The University of Toronto plans to expand its nuclear-related courses and training programs. Potential student activities in the future include research internships at Chalk River Laboratories, academic conferences, workshops, industry research projects, and guest lectures from experts at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. The two parties may also jointly develop micro-credential courses for graduate students and nuclear industry professionals.

The academic partnership program is now in its fourth year, covering more than 7,000 Canadian students, with activities including mentorship programs, research presentations, workshops, lectures, and design projects. Amy Gottschling, Vice President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, stated that collaborating with top universities such as the University of Toronto will help cultivate the next generation of researchers, scientists, and technologists.