Tennessee Tech set to host inaugural World Nuclear Forum in October

An aerial view of Centennial Plaza on Tennessee Tech's campus. (Photo from Tennessee Tech) 

Following the recent launch of its nuclear engineering degree program, Tennessee Tech University will soon host its inaugural “World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Collaboration Nation by Nation” event, with an opening reception scheduled for the prior evening.

According to a news release announcing the event, the forum will be held on October 15, and will bring together global leaders, innovators and experts in the nuclear energy sector to foster international collaboration in advancing nuclear energy technology. 

The announcement said the new annual forum will focus on a particular country to highlight its nuclear advancements and contributions to global energy solutions. This year, the announcement said, event organizers will put the spotlight on France, a country renowned for its leadership in nuclear technology. Sunil Felix, Ph.D., nuclear counsellor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., will deliver the keynote address, which will discuss insights into France’s innovations in nuclear technology.

“I am honored to participate in the inaugural World Nuclear Forum at Tennessee Tech University, an event that illustrates the pivotal role the state of Tennessee plays in promoting nuclear energy as a major contributor to address the challenges the 21st century is faced with, namely global warming and energy security concerns,” Felix said in the announcement.

“This forum also highlights the critical role the state of Tennessee plays in fostering international collaboration in the advancement of nuclear technology,” he continued. “During this event, France, as a global leader in nuclear energy, will bring its valuable experience, with a special focus on its nuclear fuel cycle policy, aimed at contributing to the sustainability of the nuclear option.”

The announcement added that the World Nuclear Forum will be moderated by Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement, who has extensive nuclear energy experience in Washington, D.C. as senior advisor in the U.S. Dept. of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and in Tennessee as a member of Governor Lee’s TN Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. She has also played a key role in the launch of the university’s nuclear program.

"It’s a privilege to continue to contribute to Tech’s renewed commitment to nuclear engineering," Amante-Harstine said in a public statement. "This forum is an incredible opportunity to unite several global leaders to explore nuclear energy’s future and innovations for secure, sustainable energy important to our nation and to the world. With France as a special focus of the 2024 Forum, we are privileged to have Dr. Sunil Felix with us throughout the forum and delivering the keynote address, highlighting Franco-American collaboration in nuclear security and sustainability."

According to the announcement, the 2024 World Nuclear Forum will include a series of featured speakers, expert panel discussions and interactive sessions. It said attendees will engage on topics such as nuclear sustainability, international collaboration, and workforce development. The event will also culminate with a distinguished guest luncheon, with keynote speakers such as Dr. Stephen Streiffer, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who represents Tennessee’s 3rd District – including Oak Ridge National Laboratory – and serves as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, will also deliver remarks at the event.

“Tennessee is leading the way to create America’s and the world’s new nuclear future. It is essential that we do not slow down on the phenomenal strides Tennessee has made to make our state the leader for new nuclear in America and worldwide,” Fleischmann said in a public statement. 

“Tennessee Tech’s first annual World Nuclear Forum combined with its new nuclear engineering degree program shows that Tennessee Tech and our state’s exemplary higher education system are committed to training and educating the next generation of nuclear engineers, scientists, and researchers that will be crucial to advancing new nuclear in the decades to come,” the congressman added. “I strongly applaud Tennessee Tech’s visionary leadership and will continue to support them in their endeavors to continue making Tennessee the premier place in the world for our nuclear renaissance.” 

The announcement noted that on the same day as the forum, Tennessee Tech will also host the grand opening of its new 100,000-square-foot Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, which will serve as a hub for advanced engineering research and education.

For more information on events, including registration details, visit www.tntech.edu/nuclearforum.