Tennessee Tech set to host inaugural World Nuclear Forum in October
An aerial view of Centennial Plaza on Tennessee Tech's campus.
Fresh off the launch of its highly anticipated nuclear engineering degree program
– only the second such field of study offered in the state – Tennessee Tech University
is now set to host the inaugural “World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Collaboration
Nation by Nation” on Oct. 15, 2024, with an opening reception scheduled for the prior
evening.
The free event will bring together global leaders, innovators and experts in the nuclear
energy sector, offering a unique platform to foster international collaboration in
advancing nuclear energy technology.
Each year, the forum will focus on a particular country, highlighting its nuclear
advancements and contributions to global energy solutions. This year, 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. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into
France’s innovations, with particular emphasis on the nuclear fuel cycle, a crucial
topic as the world seeks sustainable energy solutions amid limited uranium resources.
The World Nuclear Forum is moderated by Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional
Energy Engagement. Drawing on her extensive nuclear energy experience in Washington,
DC 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 engaged
high-level international guests. Amante-Harstine has been key in Tennessee Tech’s
expanding role in nuclear energy, helping the university connect with important entities
and playing a pivotal role in the decision to relaunch its nuclear engineering program.
"It’s a privilege to continue to contribute to Tech’s renewed commitment to nuclear
engineering," said Amante-Harstine. "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."
Felix said, “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.”
“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 2024 World Nuclear Forum will include a series of featured speakers, expert panel
discussions, and interactive sessions. Attendees will engage on topics such as nuclear
sustainability, international collaboration, and workforce development. The event
will culminate with a distinguished guest luncheon, with keynote speakers such as
Dr. Stephen Streiffer, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, providing further
opportunities for building key relationships.
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.
“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,” said Fleischmann.
“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 continued. “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.”
With nuclear energy gaining momentum as a critical solution to global energy security
concerns and challenges, the forum will also focus on ensuring the sustainability
of nuclear energy. The event will explore innovative approaches to nuclear fuel cycles
and highlight the importance of Franco-American collaboration. Experts will discuss
strategies for optimizing uranium usage and securing the future of nuclear technology
for generations to come.
Across campus on the same day as the forum, Tech will also host the grand opening
of its new 100,000-square-foot Ashraf Islam Engineering Building. This state-of-the-art
facility, named for Tech alumnus and generous donor Ashraf Islam, will serve as a
hub for advanced engineering research and education. Attendees are invited to participate
in self-guided tours following the opening ceremony. The university will share additional
details about the grand opening event in a separate communication.
The World Nuclear Forum is an open-press event. For more information, including registration
details, visit www.tntech.edu/nuclearforum.
