Evening Lecture – Scientific and Political Challenges in Euratom Nuclear Fission Research (Generation IV)
In a rapidly changing world full of political and economic uncertainties (notably regarding sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness aspects of energy), a strong interaction is needed between Research, Innovation and Education in order to reduce some of these uncertainties.
In the particular area of nuclear fission research, a new interdisciplinary approach is under development, covering issues going from breakthrough technological developments to enhanced public engagement in nuclear decision making.
Georges Van Goethem will present the common approach developed by the main stakeholders of Euratom regarding: (1) Analysis of society and industry needs; (2) Convergence towards a common vision; (3) Development of common implementation instruments.
One of the main objectives of Euratom is to continuously improve applications of nuclear fission and ionising radiation in the framework of a balanced energy mix policy.
As the focus is on innovation, special attention will be dedicated to breakthrough technologies in Generation-IV systems (reactor and fuel cycle) aiming at improving sustainability, safety & reliability, socio-economics and proliferation resistance. This is also aligned with the general “Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”.
Speaker
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Georges Van GoethemSenior Scientific Officer at European Commission
Dr. Ir. Georges van Goethem has a master degree in Mechanical Engineering (UCL, 1974) and a PhD in Applied Sciences (UCL, 1979, Louvain, Belgium).
He worked for several years at Belgonucleaire and then began a career at the European Commission. Under the auspices of the EC Directorate General “Joint Research Centre” (DG JRC), he worked as a scientist on the safety of fast neutron reactors (1977 to 1992) both in Ispra (Italy) and in Karlsruhe (Germany).
Later, at the EC DG Research in Brussels, he was responsible for Euratom programs in nuclear fission research (Framework Programs / FP-4, -5, -6 and -7) and, especially today, in Generation IV systems and fuel cycles (Horizon-2020). He is also responsible for Euratom actions in nuclear education and training, is a member of several academic panels and participates in workshops on innovation in nuclear fission.
Georges Van Goethem is the author or co-author of numerous scientific articles, monographs and lectures at international conferences.
He is a member of the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences (RAOS) of Belgium.