The ObninskTech Summer University 2026 and the IV International Youth Nuclear Forum, organized by the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, were successfully held. Researcher B. Mendbayar from the MAS, Institute of Physics and Technology (IPT) participated in this international program, which provided a valuable opportunity to deepen professional knowledge, gain international cooperation experience, and enhance understanding of current trends and future developments in the global nuclear industry.
The program was held from 22 to 26 June 2026, bringing together more than 320 participants from over 32 countries. Beyond being an academic training course, the program was specifically designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the global nuclear industry, future strategic directions, human resource development, technological innovation, and international cooperation.
The event gathered representatives from universities, research institutes, government organizations, and nuclear industry enterprises from around the world, creating an excellent platform for comparing national development experiences, policies, and practical approaches. Participants were actively involved not only as attendees but also in discussions, team projects, problem-solving exercises, and innovation workshops, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the learning process by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Throughout the program, lectures and seminars covered a broad range of topics, including global trends in nuclear energy development, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor safety, nuclear medicine, radiation technologies, innovation, digital transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector. These presentations went beyond theoretical concepts by incorporating ongoing projects, practical experiences, techno-economic analyses, and policy perspectives, enabling participants to develop a broader understanding of current challenges and opportunities within the industry.
The training emphasized that, as the global energy sector undergoes rapid transformation to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as one of the most reliable and sustainable low-carbon energy sources. Presentations highlighting the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) demonstrated their significant potential for decentralized power generation, remote communities, and industrial applications. These discussions indicated that SMR technology could become an important area for further research within Mongolia's future energy development strategy.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the forum was its strong emphasis on human resource development. Speakers stressed that the nuclear industry, as a high-technology sector with stringent safety requirements, requires the long-term and systematic education of engineers, researchers, operators, and regulators. Rosatom's educational model, which integrates universities, research institutions, and industrial enterprises into a unified system, was presented as an effective framework for developing highly qualified professionals. This experience offers valuable insights that could contribute to strengthening engineering education and workforce development policies in Mongolia.
The international team project organized during the program created a realistic environment for cross-cultural collaboration. Participants from diverse educational backgrounds, cultures, and professional disciplines worked together to develop data-driven solutions, present project proposals, and defend their ideas. This collaborative experience significantly improved teamwork, communication, leadership, and systematic problem-solving skills while providing valuable practical experience in an international project environment.
In addition to classroom instruction, technical visits were organized to the Rosatom Technical Academy, training centers, research laboratories, and the world's first nuclear power plant. These visits constituted an essential component of the program by allowing participants to observe engineering education systems, reactor operation, nuclear safety culture, operator training simulators, and laboratory research activities firsthand. They also demonstrated that the successful development of the nuclear industry depends not only on advanced technologies but also on organizational culture, quality management, risk management, and human factors.
During panel discussions and thematic sessions, participants had opportunities to exchange ideas with representatives of international organizations, universities, and industrial companies, thereby exploring possibilities for future cooperation. Presentations on national energy policies, applications of nuclear technology, and educational systems highlighted both the diversity of national development paths and the common challenges shared by countries pursuing nuclear technologies. These discussions provided valuable perspectives for assessing Mongolia's energy sector in an international context and identifying promising directions for future collaboration.
The forum clearly demonstrated that nuclear technology extends far beyond electricity generation. Practical examples illustrated its strategic importance in medicine, industry, agriculture, scientific research, and environmental protection. At the same time, speakers emphasized that the successful development of nuclear technology depends on international cooperation, harmonized safety standards, transparency, public understanding, and the availability of highly qualified human resources.
For Mongolia, the experience gained from this training program and forum highlights significant opportunities to strengthen the long-term development of the energy sector, engineering education, human resource capacity, and international cooperation. In particular, expanding the participation of engineers and researchers in international education and research programs, promoting collaborative projects, and enhancing knowledge exchange will make an important contribution to building a highly skilled national workforce capable of supporting the country's future technological development.
B.Mendbayar Researcher, Institute of Physics and Technology (IPT)
