Inaugural class of ISNL (2001) with programme founder Patrick Reyners
This year marked a milestone as the NEA’s International School of Nuclear Law (ISNL) welcomed its 25th class to the University of Montpellier, in the south of France, on 24 August to 4 September. Launched in 2001, the ISNL is one of the world’s most preeminent graduate-level programmes in international nuclear law, with over 1 400 alumni from the academic, private and governmental sectors hailing from more than 120 countries. Many of these alumni remain working in the nuclear sector today, serving as legal counsel for nuclear regulators, government ministries, licensees, vendors, insurers and international organisations, or working as independent experts or attorneys in private practice.
The ISNL was created to address the unmet and, at that time, largely unrecognised, need for legal training for aspiring nuclear lawyers. Designed as an intensive two-week course combining lectures from legal experts with practical exercises and group study, the programme attracted 50 participants to its inaugural class and has only grown more popular in the years since.
The ISNL Class of 2026, along with lecturers Stephen Burns, Abel Gonzáles, John Nakoski, Kimberly Sexton Nick, Christian Raetzke and Lisa Thiele
Reflecting the growing renown of the programme and the robust interest in the field of nuclear law, the ISNL saw records for both the number of applicants and participants this year. For this year’s session, 66 students and professionals were selected to attend. These participants received instruction in all aspects of nuclear law, including nuclear safety and security, management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, environmental protection, transport, non-proliferation, safeguards, nuclear liability and international trade. ISNL participants also have the option of pursing a University Diploma in International Nuclear Law, based on the participant’s successful completion of a post-ISNL test and dissertation. Since first being offered in 2003, over 700 University Diplomas have been awarded to ISNL alumni.
Lecturers Stephen G. Burns, Lisa Thiele and Wolfram Tonhauser take a question during a discussion on decommissioning and radioactive waste
The programme was delivered by a group of lecturers comprised of 25 specialists in nuclear law from international organisations, government, academia and private industry. The lectures provided participants with a comprehensive grounding in international nuclear law, while also incorporating case studies, group workshops and interactive discussions. These practical components encouraged participants to work collaboratively, analyse real-world challenges and develop a deeper understanding of how nuclear law is applied in practice.
Participants present their arguments during the Great Debates Workshop
In addition to the educational programme, ISNL participants had the opportunity to network with their classmates through social events.
Participants at a social event
The NEA awarded grants to a select number of graduate students from its member countries to participate in the programme and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, provided financial support to a limited number of professionals from its member states to attend the programme.
Applications for the 2027 ISNL session, taking place from 23 August to 3 September, will open in January 2027.