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 17, 2026

In-person classes hosted in Saskatoon, SK

What you'll learn

Capacity building: Equip executive, senior and mid-career professionals in the nuclear industry with the leadership skills, organizational frameworks, regulatory literacy and decision-making competencies required to guide nuclear programs responsibly and effectively. 

Cross-sector integration: Strengthen interdisciplinary knowledge, collaboration and practical problem-solving across government, industry, regulatory bodies and international organizations involved in nuclear projects. 

Applied leadership practice: Participants will apply their learning through focused, leadership-aligned projects that address real organizational challenges and advance nuclear readiness. 

Professional networking: Foster meaningful networking, experience sharing and peer collaboration among emerging and established leaders within Canada’s nuclear ecosystem. 

 

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate co-signed by the IAEA and the University of Saskatchewan. 

Program details

Professionals sitting around a table having a meeting
Sheldon Wuttunee, president and chief executive officer of the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence, speaks to NEMS 2025 participants during a CEO panel (Photo: Matt Braden Photography)

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. On Saturday, June 13, participants will be flown to a Cameco uranium mine site for a site visit. 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. 

 

 

 

 


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 culture
  • Regulatory requirements and licensing
  • Safety design, radiation protection, emergency preparedness and response
  • Nuclear security, safeguards implementation and nuclear law

Executive leadership and decision-making

  • Executive decision-making under high reliability
  • Nuclear leadership and management for executives
  • Risk management, risk communication and public trust
  • Indigenous engagement, cultural safety and executive dialogue

Program development and infrastructure

  • Workforce planning and knowledge management
  • Megaproject governance and planning
  • Energy planning tools, economics of nuclear power and project financing
  • Contractor management, industrial capacity, supply chain and workforce readiness
  • Nuclear technology overview and the nuclear value chain

Applied learning and engagement

  • Case studies
  • Site visits
  • Peer exchange and mentorship

Who should attend

  • Executive, senior and mid-level leaders and decision makers involved in nuclear policy, planning or program oversight.
  • Senior and mid-level managers and decision-makers in government, regulatory bodies, utilities and nuclear operating organizations who oversee teams, programs or major files.
  • Senior engineers, technical leads and operational managers in construction, manufacturing, supply chain and service organizations supporting nuclear projects.
  • Project directors, program managers and senior technical specialists tasked with advancing nuclear initiatives or supporting organizational nuclear readiness.


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, manufacturing, service and related social, legal, financial sectors, etc.). Candidates from other 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.
  • Language: Proficiency in English is required.
  • Past participants of Canadian National Nuclear Energy Management School(s) are welcome to apply.


Curriculum committee

The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan extends its sincere appreciation to the curriculum committee for their leadership and commitment to the 2026 Canadian Executive Nuclear Energy Management School.

Through their guidance, expertise, and deep experience in Canada’s nuclear sector, the committee has played a vital role in shaping a rigorous, forward‑looking curriculum that reflects both current priorities and emerging challenges. Their contributions have strengthened the academic quality and practical relevance of the school, helping to ensure a meaningful learning experience for participants.

Grant Cherkas

Founder and chief executive officer

Prairie Nuclear Consulting Inc.

Lesley McGilp

Executive director

International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII)

Tom Kishchuk

Executive director

Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (GIEMS)

Steve Livingstone

SMR engineering manager

SaskPower

Jerry Hopwood

President

University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE)


Program fees

Thanks to the generous support of the program sponsors, there are no program fees for the Executive NEMS 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 and dinner)

 

Questions

For more information, visit the School of Nuclear Energy Management | IAEA.

Have questions? Email engr.nems@usask.ca 

In co-operation with


Thanks to the support of our founding sponsors