VCDNP and NTI Create Next in Nuclear Fellowship

The VCDNP and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) have partnered up to create the Next in Nuclear Fellowship, a capacity-building programme for early-career women from the Global South working on nuclear safety, security, safeguards, or the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. The Fellowship was organised within the framework of the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy (GCNP) initiative.

The Fellowship gave one young professional the opportunity to spend two weeks in Vienna, attending the 67^th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and participate alongside diplomats and practitioners in the VCDNP’s flagship short course on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The Fellowship took place from 24 September until 7 October 2023.

From a pool of highly qualified applicants, Ms. Lynette Moyo, a radiation scientist with the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, was selected to be the Next in Nuclear Fellow.

To hear more about Ms. Moyo’s experience in Vienna and how the Fellowship has shaped her perspective on nuclear policy, watch the interview below. You can also read more about Ms. Moyo’s reflections on her career in an interview from the IAEA General Conference on the NTI website.

At the IAEA General Conference, Ms. Moyo completed a rich programme of Plenary sessions and side events, deep diving into the latest developments in nuclear science and policy. The VCDNP and NTI were glad to connect Ms. Moyo with a range of stakeholders, including officials at the IAEA, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the US Department of Energy, and Women in Nuclear.

“I didn’t think even in my wildest dreams I would be at the IAEA General Conference in 2023. For me, it really was a dream come true. It is so important as a young scientist to say ‘yes’ to opportunities.”

Lynette Moyo

During the intensive five-day course at the VCDNP, Ms. Moyo learnt more about the international legal and political backdrop to her work in nuclear safety and security. She attended lectures on the global non-proliferation regime, the work of IAEA safeguards inspectors, nuclear-weapon-free-zones, the TPNW, and other issues, delivered by VCDNP experts and other senior experts, diplomats, and practitioners. The course also included tours of key facilities like CTBTO radionuclide monitoring stations and the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre.

As a result of her participation in the Fellowship, Ms. Moyo learned of a unique postgraduate programme in nuclear safeguards, offered by the Politecnico di Milano, successfully applied, and has since commenced her coursework.

“This will do so much for my organisation in Zimbabwe as we are preparing for the prospect of having nuclear energy. This is really one of the things I gained from the Fellowship.”

Lynette Moyo

As active members of the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy initiative, the VCDNP and NTI were glad to make a tangible contribution to growing and diversifying the global nuclear talent pool. The organisers hope that the knowledge, insights, and connections that Ms. Moyo gathered through the Fellowship will also be a valuable resource for the Radiation Protection Authority in implementing the nuclear safety and security instruments that Zimbabwe adopted at the 67^th General Conference.

To hear more about Ms. Moyo’s experience in Vienna and how the Fellowship has shaped her perspective on nuclear policy, watch the interview below. You can also read more about Ms. Moyo’s reflections on her career in an interview from the IAEA General Conference on the NTI website.

The Fellowship was made possible by generous financial support from the Nuclear Threat Initiative.