OREANDA-NEWS. July 30, 2008. Vladimir Putin has suggested opening a National Nuclear University on the basis of MEPhi and 23 specialized universities.

“We must create a highly efficient personnel training system in the nuclear sector. We must shortly consider all proposals for establishing a National Nuclear University on the basis of Moscow Engineering Physics Institute and 23 more specialized universities,” Putin said during a conference on nuclear energy development at Elemash today.

It will be the first stone in the base of a national network of research universities.

Rosatom must not only create demand for effective personnel training at this university but must also take an active part in the development of its curricula, education quality standards and probation programs.

Putin pointed pout that since 2006 the average age of nuclear workers has dropped from 53 to 48. “This is a good signal: it means that young people are coming into the nuclear industry and that the profession of nuclear power engineer is becoming prestigious and attractive for the youth,” Putin said.