The IEEE Online Presentation Series on Nuclear Energy: Why It Matters Now
As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, nuclear energy is once again moving to the forefront of discussions on energy security, decarbonization, and technological innovation. Rising electricity demand, driven by electrification, the expansion of electric mobility, and the rapid growth of data centers supporting artificial intelligence, is placing unprecedented pressure on existing energy systems. In this context, the need for reliable, low-carbon and scalable electrical power solutions has never been more urgent.
In support of this demand, IEEE has been actively contributing to the discussion through the Online Nuclear Energy Presentation Series, which has emerged as a timely, inclusive, and highly valuable platform for the scientific, engineering, and general-public communities. The series offers a space not only to present advances in nuclear science and technology, but also to reflect on how these advances can be translated into practical, deployable solutions for energy and other applications.
A Coordinated IEEE Effort
Since 2024, the IEEE NPSS Climate Change Initiative, with its Task Force on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Reactor Technologies, has been actively supporting this mission through a range of coordinated activities. These efforts both aimed to inform the community about pressing topics such as climate change and NPSS core activities, and to identify areas where IEEE’s multidisciplinary expertise could make a tangible contribution. Among these activities we organized
- Two workshops on NPSS Solutions and Opportunities for Energy and Society, held within the NSS-MIC-RTSD conferences (2024–2025)
- A position paper currently under consideration for publication in IEEE TRPMS
- Active contribution from the start to the organization of the IEEE Online Nuclear Energy Presentation Series.
Running throughout 2025 and into the first half of 2026, the series has already attracted approximately 3700 combined live and on-demand views, reflecting strong and steadily growing interest in nuclear energy and related applications. This level of engagement highlights the relevance of the topic across disciplines and regions.
The series is organized under the umbrella of IEEE Future Directions, and sponsored by IEEE Future Directions, IEEE SusTech Initiative, IEEE Planet Positive 2030, the IEEE Standards Association, and NPSS, The first series was also organized by the IEEE Vancouver Section. It provides a neutral, technically rigorous, and welcoming forum where experts from academia, industry, and international organizations come together to share knowledge and exchange perspectives.
Importantly, the series goes beyond traditional lectures and encourages an open discussion and interactive Q&A, interdisciplinary exchange across engineering domains, and the identification of practical pathways for deployment and innovation.
This approach is particularly valuable in nuclear energy, where progress depends not only on technological advances, but also on integration with broader systems, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance.
Strong Engagement and Broad Technical Scope
The impact of the series is clearly visible in the consistent engagement of participants across all IEEE regions. Attendees from academia, industry, and technical organizations actively contribute through lively discussions and post-event feedback, demonstrating both the quality of the content and the interest of the audience.
One of the defining strengths of the series is the breadth and depth of topics covered, which include:
- Advanced reactors and SMR deployment strategies
- Fuel cycles, sustainability, and waste minimization
- Digital instrumentation and control, including AI and digital twins
- Waste management approaches, including reuse and accelerator-driven transmutation
- Grid integration and hybrid energy systems
- Applications in medicine, maritime propulsion, and remote or underserved regions
Notably, higher engagement was observed in sessions focused on deployment, applications, novel technologies and system integration, highlighting the community’s growing interest in transitioning from research and development to real-world implementation.
Community Contributions and Feedback
The series has benefited significantly from contributions by speakers within the NPSS community as well as from external experts connected to the nuclear and plasma sciences community, particularly in the areas of plasma science for fusion energy generation, AgriTech applications, and medical applications of microreactors. Presentations have been consistently highly rated by participants, typically ranging between very good and excellent.
Equally important, participant feedback has indicated a growing appetite for deeper technical discussions as well as interest in practical deployment case studies and a strong demand for a continued and expanded program, reflecting a maturing and increasingly engaged community, eager to learn, understand, and contribute to the future of nuclear energy and its related societal applications.
Looking Ahead
The IEEE Nuclear Energy Online Presentation Series has established itself as a trusted and effective forum for knowledge exchange and debate. It plays a key role in connecting technical expertise across disciplines and regions, and in aligning efforts toward common goals.
Building on its success, plans are already underway for a third edition in 2027, which will further expand the scope of discussions, with increased emphasis on deployment and validation, interdisciplinary collaboration and integration with broader energy systems. Furthermore, a workshop dedicated to “Nuclear Energy and Applications” will take place on October 19–20 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, one of the sites that will host a Nano-Kronos microreactor before 2030, https://indico.global/event/17240/, to explore potential IEEE contributions to its testing.
Invitation to Participate
Researchers, engineers, and students within IEEE NPSS, as well as the broader energy and general public communities, are warmly invited to join upcoming presentations and editions of the series.
Whether you are deeply involved in nuclear technologies, exploring their role within integrated and sustainable energy systems or simply interested in developments in the field, this series offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into cutting-edge developments, exchange ideas with leading experts, contribute to shaping the future of nuclear energy and its related applications.
For more information, registration, and access to past and future presentations:
https://futuredirections.ieee.org/ieee-second-presentation-series-on-nuclear-energy
Are you interested in joining the NPSS Climate Change and Advanced Reactors Activities or have speakers you would like to propose for the 2027 series? Pleawe Contact: Cinzia DaVià, [email protected] NPSS Climate Change Initiative and Task Force on SMRs, MMRs, and Advanced Reactors Lead. https://ieee-npss.org/climate-change-initiative/
For further information about the series, IEEE SA, IEEE SusTech Initiative and IEEE Planet Positive 2030 contact Maike Luiken, [email protected]
Cinzia DaVià can be contacted at [email protected].