Comenius University Bratislava helps shape the future of nuclear energy
A round table addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in the nuclear sector was held at Comenius University Bratislava (CU) on Monday, 15 December 2025. The meeting brought together representatives of the education sector, academia and industry to develop a joint action plan supporting education, research and workforce development in this field. Comenius University was represented by Rector Marek Števček, Vice-Rector for Education and Social Affairs Eva Viglašová, and Vice-Rector for Science and Doctoral Studies Jozef Masarik, and Head of the Department of Nuclear Chemistry Michal Galamboš..
The action plan was prepared in close cooperation with state authorities and specialised institutions active across the nuclear sector, ranging from the operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities to nuclear regulation, applied technical research, energy companies and universities.
It responds to growing demand for qualified professionals in a field that now extends well beyond energy production and plays a key role in medicine, pharmacy, industry and regulatory bodies. New projects require the systematic training of thousands of specialists – from technicians and engineers to experts in nuclear medicine and radiation protection. “Our task is to ensure that Slovakia has a sufficient pool of domestic experts, that young people are offered high-quality education, and that talent does not leave the country,” said Minister of Education Tomáš Drucker following the meeting with representatives of ministries, industry, regulatory authorities and academia.
The Ministry of Education plans, among other measures, to strengthen support for programmes in mathematics, physics and technical disciplines. Slovakia currently has several accredited study programmes focused specifically on specialised nuclear education. At Comenius University, the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics offers the Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics study programme at the second and third levels of study, while the Faculty of Natural Sciences provides the Nuclear Chemistry and Radioecology programme at the same levels.
Rector Marek Števček highlighted the breadth of unique programmes offered by Comenius University. “We are the only university in Slovakia to offer both nuclear chemistry and nuclear physics, and through our medical faculties and the Faculty of Pharmacy we also provide programmes in nuclear medicine and nuclear radiopharmacy,” he said. According to the Rector, a key priority is to promote these programmes more effectively and increase student enrolment.
“Measures to boost interest in nuclear-related fields include stronger student motivation through financial support such as scholarships, better conditions for practical training, and raising awareness of the importance of these professions on the labour market. Supporting selected programmes that are unique or in short supply, together with active cooperation with potential employers, can significantly help attract more young people,” said Vice-Rector Eva Viglašová.
Vice-Rector Jozef Masarik added that “in cooperation with industry and research partners, we support scientific research to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a qualified nuclear workforce in Slovakia and across Europe.”
Participants in the round table included representatives of Comenius University Bratislava, the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, the Technical University of Košice, the University of Economics in Bratislava, the Slovak Academy of Sciences, representatives of the nuclear energy sector, and officials from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Health.
Photo: Tomáš Madeja