The International Atomic Energy Agency has opened applications for the 2026 Summer School on the Legal Framework for Nuclear Energy, a prestigious academic programme delivered in partnership with George Washington University Law School.
Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency under its University Partnership Program on Nuclear Law, this global summer school will run from 16 to 25 June 2026 and is designed to build the next generation of nuclear law and energy governance professionals.
The 2026 edition will be conducted virtually, making it accessible to postgraduate students from IAEA Member States worldwide.
Programme Overview
The IAEA–GW Summer School provides an intensive academic platform focused on nuclear law, international energy regulation, and global governance frameworks.
The programme aims to:
Strengthen understanding of core principles of nuclear law
Examine international legal instruments and regulatory structures
Explore nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and civil liability regimes
Build capacity among future legal and technical experts
Promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
Participants will engage in expert-led lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions facilitated by leading practitioners and academics specialising in nuclear law and international regulation.
This programme is particularly relevant for students interested in international public law, energy policy, environmental governance, and global regulatory systems.
Eligibility Criteria
The IAEA Summer School on Nuclear Law 2026 is open to students from IAEA Member States who meet the academic requirements.
Applicants must:
Hold a bachelor’s degree
Be currently enrolled in an accredited postgraduate program
Demonstrate proficiency in English
Priority consideration will be given to students specialising in:
Nuclear law
International public law
Energy law
Environmental law
Related legal disciplines
Postgraduate students from non-law backgrounds such as engineering, physics, or other technical fields may also apply, provided they are enrolled in recognised postgraduate studies and demonstrate interest in nuclear governance and regulation.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official IAEA application portal.
Application deadline: 27 February 2026
Important application requirements include:
All forms must be completed in English
Supporting documents must be uploaded as required
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare documentation early to avoid last-minute submission issues.
Selection and Participation Requirements
Successful applicants will receive further details regarding the programme schedule, logistical arrangements, and preparatory materials.
Participants are expected to attend all sessions, actively contribute to discussions and case studies, and complete assigned readings or coursework before and during the programme.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who meet attendance and engagement standards.
Programme Schedule and Format
The 2026 IAEA Summer School will be delivered virtually with live interactive sessions.
Scheduled session times are:
09:00–13:00 EDT (Washington, D.C.)
15:00–19:00 CEST (Vienna)
Participants must ensure availability during these hours from 16 to 25 June 2026.
Strategic Importance of the Programme
The Summer School reflects the IAEA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening global nuclear governance and regulatory systems. By equipping postgraduate students with foundational and advanced knowledge in nuclear law, the initiative supports:
Safe and secure nuclear energy development
International legal harmonisation
Strengthened national regulatory oversight
Capacity building across Member States
Through collaboration with George Washington University Law School, the programme combines academic excellence with practical regulatory insight, preparing participants to contribute meaningfully to international nuclear legal frameworks.
About the International Atomic Energy Agency
Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the International Atomic Energy Agency promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology while working to prevent its use for military purposes. The Agency develops safety standards, provides technical cooperation, and supports international collaboration in nuclear science and governance.
Key Dates
Programme dates: 16–25 June 2026
Application deadline: 27 February 2026
Format: Virtual
Eligibility: Postgraduate students from IAEA Member States
Postgraduate students interested in nuclear law, international energy regulation, and global governance are encouraged to apply before the deadline to participate in this competitive international summer school opportunity.
