The University of Saskatchewan (USask) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed an agreement to collaborate on and enhance nuclear research and training opportunities. The agreement between USask and the Austrian-based IAEA was signed last week in Vienna, Austria by USask Vice-President Research Baljit Singh and Mikhail Chudakov, deputy director and head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the IAEA. “USask is always striving to demonstrate the world-class impact of our research, scholarly, and artistic work,” Singh said in a media release. The IAEA is described as “an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system with the mandate to promote safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear technologies among its global members.” The agreement is aimed at providing a framework for USask to offer education and training for professionals across Canada and expand future research in the field. “This agreement with the IAEA will help grow USask’s already strong foundation of nuclear research and education and help connect local talent and expertise with a global network,” added Singh. Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device USask bills itself as a nuclear research hub, exploring and innovating in areas including nuclear medicine, fuels and energy, as well as safe processing and storage of nuclear waste. “For many decades now, [USask] has been making significant contributions to the advancement of nuclear science, supporting progress in nuclear energy, including fusion, as well as a variety of non-power applications in medicine, agriculture and hydrology,” added Chudakov. Nuclear research facilities on the USask campus include the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility and Canadian Light Source, Canada’s only synchrotron. Jafar Soltan, associate dean, research and partnerships with USask’s College of Engineering, helped with the development of the agreement. “This agreement positions USask as a Canadian hub for nuclear training and innovation,” explained Soltan. ”I look forward to the opportunities this agreement will help create for Canada’s nuclear industry.” In 2025 USask’s College of Engineering hosted the Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School (NEMS) alongside the IAEA. The program was designed to supplement mid-level professionals with their nuclear energy education.
