The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) joined the second Saudi International Conference on Nuclear Power Engineering (SCOPE-2) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, from 2 – 6 November 2025, underscoring the country’s growing interest in nuclear energy and its global connections.
Building on the 2023 inaugural event, SCOPE-2 gathered researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Dr Ki Young Choi, Chair of the NEA Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations and representative of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, took part in the opening ceremony.
At King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Ms Véronique Rouyer, Head of the NEA Division of Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulation, delivered a keynote on “Safe nuclear energy for the future: Bridging fundamentals and innovation.” She highlighted the need for strong research and innovation to safely deploy emerging nuclear technologies in support of climate and energy security goals.
Ms Rouyer also joined a high-level panel on leadership for innovation led by Prof. Leon Cizelj, Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute. The discussion focused on how research, innovation, and talent development intersect to advance the nuclear sector.
To champion diversity and mentorship, Dr Martina Adorni, Nuclear Safety Specialist at the NEA, organized and moderated a session spotlighting women leaders in nuclear engineering. Panelists included Ms Rouyer, Prof. Rosa Lo Frano of the University of Pisa, Dr Sofia Carnevali of France’s CEA, and Prof. April Novak of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They shared career insights, practical guidance for students, and the importance of inclusive STEM pathways.
The NEA’s presence at SCOPE-2 reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear safety, innovation, and cultivating the next generation of nuclear professionals.
