Memorandum of Cooperation with the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network in Support of Innovation in the Nuclear Sector

The UNWE and the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network signed a Memorandum of Cooperation represented by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Madalina Stefanich, President, Founder, Member of the Board of Directors of the Network.

"The signing of this Memorandum is an evidence of the international recognition of UNWE as an innovative academic institution with a global outlook and a real contribution to the nuclear security and sustainable development", said Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, who is also the founder of the Master's Degree Programme in Nuclear Security at the UNWE. He emphasized that it is the only one in the world that combines expertise in the management, technology, and policies in the sector. "Through our partnership with the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network we focus on the interdisciplinary education, equality, and the promotion of young and committed professionals in the field of peaceful nuclear technologies. It is the way to a more secure, inclusive, and innovative future energy environment", added the Rector.

The President of the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network Madalina Stefanich expressed her contentment with the signing of the Memorandum and her confidence that the Network and the University will find various forms of successful cooperation and scientific research on the regional and global challenges in the nuclear energy, especially with regard to the management, innovation, and safety of the modern nuclear systems.

The activities envisaged under the Memorandum include: development of the Master's Degree Programme in Nuclear Security, cooperation on initiatives for the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors, joint development and promotion of educational and training programmes, exchange of lecturers, experts, and students to enhance the academic and professional experience.

Partnerships are also envisaged in relation to the management, innovation, and safety of modern nuclear systems, promoting women's participation and leadership in the field of nuclear energy and security through mentoring, scholarships, and networking activities. Joint publications and sharing knowledge through academic journals and platforms, as well as mutual support for events such as conferences, summer schools, and roundtables on nuclear security and small modular reactors, are also part of the Memorandum.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Madalina Stefanich, Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov

The Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of UNWE is Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the Nuclear Security Support Center and lecturer at the National and Regional Security Department.

About the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network

The Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network /BSWN/ is a regional professional network that brings together experts in the nuclear field from Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries.

The members of the network are experts from the Black Sea countries representing civil society and academia, national governments, and industries. Interdisciplinary in nature, the network brings together women in STEM and politics, united in support of the safe and secure use of peaceful nuclear technologies and the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation.

The network serves as a platform for professionals who support the advancement of women in core areas by promoting greater representation in leadership positions and providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, mentoring, and career development.