About Executive NEMS
Join the Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School (Executive NEMS), hosted by the University of Saskatchewan, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This intensive one-week executive program provides a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the nuclear energy lifecycle from strategic planning and advanced reactor deployment to regulatory readiness, organizational capability and the complex governance considerations associated with expanding or introducing nuclear power in emerging jurisdictions.
Designed for executive, senior and mid-level leaders, Executive NEMS supports leaders working across the nuclear energy sector and related technology domains who seek to strengthen their strategic, technical and managerial competencies in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Executive NEMS:
June 8-13, 2026
Application Deadline:
March 2, 2026
In-person classes hosted in Saskatoon, SK
What you'll gain
- Enhanced leadership capacity to guide and oversee nuclear programs, including strengthened executive judgment, regulatory awareness and insight into organizational and governance frameworks.
- A strategic, end-to-end perspective on the global nuclear energy lifecycle, including the roles, responsibilities and interactions of governments, industry, regulators and academic partners.
- Decision-focused, practical learning through case studies examining real-world challenges in nuclear program development, readiness and executive decision-making.
- A strengthened professional network, built through structured peer exchange and engagement with senior leaders from across Canada’s nuclear industry.
Program details
Executive NEMS will be delivered in person from June 8 to 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST), at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The program is designed as a focused, immersive experience that balances expert-led instruction with peer engagement and practical application.
Participants will engage in facilitated sessions, plenary discussions, interactive group work and case-based learning, with dedicated time built in for executive dialogue, questions and professional networking. All course materials will be provided electronically through the IAEA online learning platform, enabling participants to access resources before, during and after the program. A laptop or tablet is required.
Breakfast, lunch and daily refreshments will be provided to support a seamless learning experience.
Program topics
Through applied learning including case studies, peer focused discussions, site visits and expert instruction, participants in Executive NEMS will strengthen their ability to lead, govern and make informed decisions across the nuclear energy lifecycle. Program topics include:
Nuclear safety and regulation
- Safety principles and safety culture
- Regulatory requirements and licensing
- Safety design, radiation protection and emergency response
- Security, safeguards and nuclear law
Executive leadership and decision-making
- High-reliability decision-making
- Leadership in nuclear organizations
- Risk management, communication and public trust
- Indigenous engagement and executive dialogue
Program development and infrastructure
- Workforce planning and knowledge management
- Megaproject governance and planning
- Economics, key performance indicators and financing
- Supply chain capacity and contractor management
- Technologies, small modular reactors and system integration
Eligibility requirements
- Relevant Experience: Applicants should have relevant experience in areas related to nuclear energy, technology, or related fields (e.g., government, regulatory bodies, research and development, academia). Candidates from the petrochemical, petroleum, mining and aerospace industries may also apply if they have recently transitioned or plan to transition to the nuclear sector.
- Education: A university degree in science, engineering, business administration, law, or equivalent experience is preferred.
- Residency: Applicants must reside in Canada.
- Program Attendance: Applicants must not have attended previous NEM Schools.
- Language: Proficiency in English is required.
How to apply
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Submit your application online:
- New Users: Create a USask account and complete setup via the confirmation email.
- Returning Users: Log in to begin your application.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2025
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the non-refundable $100 application fee by January 21, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST. Late applications will not be accepted.
Step 3: Complete the Preliminary Training Course
After submitting your application and fee, you’ll receive an enrollment key for the IAEA preliminary course (Canada National Nuclear Energy Management School), a self-paced, approximately 15-hour course covering nuclear energy fundamentals. You must complete the course by February 4, 2025 and pass the final test (80-minute multiple-choice and descriptive test) with a minimum score of 60%.
Preliminary Training Overview for NEM School
The Nuclear Energy Management (NEM) School preliminary training course is a self-paced, online program designed to equip students with essential knowledge for the two-week Canadian National NEM program. Participants come from various organizations in the nuclear-related sector, including power plants, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions. This course ensures a broad understanding of nuclear energy fundamentals.
Time Commitment:
- Total course duration: Approximately 15 hours self-paced.
Course Objectives:
- Provide an overview of key concepts, principles, and industry trends in nuclear energy.
- Prepare students for effective participation in lectures, group projects, and exams.
Course Structure: The course consists of four modules, each with self-assessment questions and reference materials for further learning:
- Energy and Nuclear Basics
- Introduction to Nuclear Power
- Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management
Mandatory Final Test:
- Format: Multiple-choice and descriptive questions
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Passing Score: Minimum 60%
- Attempt Limit: Two attempts
Passing the final test is required to be eligible for admission.
Deadline: The final exam must be completed by February 4, 2025.
Step 4: Decision Notification
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on:
- A minimum score of 60% on the IAEA preliminary training test.
- Applicants will be assessed on their professional background, educational qualifications, motivation for the Canadian National NEM program, and overall knowledge of the nuclear energy field.
- Considerations for EDI and geographical diversity.
Notification of Acceptance
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by mid March.
Program Fees
Thanks to the generous support of the program sponsors, there are no program fees for the Canadian National NEM program. All course materials are part of the program.
- Participants are responsible for lodging.
- A hotel block is available at the Staybridge Suites Saskatoon- University (complimentary breakfast included)
- Participants are responsible for travel costs
- Participants are responsible for meal plans (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Ready to Apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of $100 CDN is required to process your application. Successful applicants will be instructed to complete a test administered by IAEA to determine their eligibility for the program.
Questions
For more information, visit the School of Nuclear Energy Management | IAEA.
Have questions? Email us david.lu@usask.ca
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