Nuclear Education Reform for the Middle East and North Africa: A Challenging Task
Fares M. Howari1, and Abdulali M. Sadiq2, Abdelaty Salman3, Philip Goodell4
1Environmental Science Program, College of Arts and Science, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. 4901 East University, Odessa, Texas 79762, [email protected] or [email protected];
2Chemistry & Earth Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University,
P O Box 2713 ; [email protected]. 3 Former Chairman, Nuclear Materials Authority and consultant, Cairo, Egypt. 4Department of Geology, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968, [email protected]
Abstract
The necessity for development of peaceful nuclear energy programs in the region of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has been highlighted by many researchers and policy makers. Considering the fact that the MENA countries are relatively new to this field, it is not surprising that they need major educational and related capacity building reforms. Reports show that human resources development of nuclear energy in the MENA region have not improved as rapidly as the sense or publicity of the need for this options to secure energy for electricity generation, the much needed water desalination activities, as well as the associated medical and agricultural applications. The present study highlights the role of education as an important mean to develop nuclear human resources. The current study presents an overview of nuclear education programs in the MENA and highlight problems, as well as challenges and the way forward. Universities in the MENA should promote and define peaceful nuclear vocational training agendas in the region. It should also serve as catalysts to create environment and opportunities to encourage nuclear capacity building efforts in the region as well as to develop high quality education programs at the undergraduate, graduate and mid-carrier levels that meet international standards. To this end, an up-to-date training programs and recruiting high quality researchers, educators, supporting staff and technicians are additional important elements. This is best achieved by cooperation with IAEA and concerned authorities of countries with advanced nuclear energy programs, and by maintaining a healthy relation between universities and the local nuclear industrial sector to identify related needs. Therefore, there should be a reform in education and research policy in the MENA countries that backed up with the necessary resources. The present study also envision a regional network of experts, with IAEA and international links, in nuclear energy who are interested in participating in efforts of capacity building and professional training to overcome local practical problems that faces and will face this emerging sector especially those related to economics, safety, waste disposal, non-proliferation, and societal acceptance.
ساحة النقاش