Hlavní stránka Info portálu ZČU

What does the government’s decision to have the Korean firm KHNP build the nuclear blocks in Dukovany mean for the University of West Bohemia?

We certainly welcome that the Czech government has made a decision; it is excellent news for the Czech Republic. This year, UWB celebrates 75 years since the establishment of higher technical education in Pilsen, and the opportunity to participate in such a major state project is a tremendous opportunity for all three faculties. I must emphasize, however, that we have always considered both candidates to be exceptionally qualified and have established above-standard relations with both KHNP and the other finalist, the French company EDF.

The company's president visited UWB six months ago and signed a memorandum of cooperation with the university. What will this cooperation involve?

We are in contact with KHNP mainly thanks to our partner company Doosan Škoda Power, which is also expected to build turbines for the new nuclear blocks. Our students already have the opportunity to intern and train with this company. We have discussed with KHNP the possibility of our students visiting Korean nuclear power plants. I expect that the specific parameters of the cooperation will be negotiated over the course of this and next year.

What is the general interest of students in nuclear fields now?

The number of graduates in technical fields from Czech universities already significantly lags behind the current needs of industry. At the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, we are capable of producing top-notch graduates in a wide range of fields, including those focused on nuclear energy. The capacity of UWB, especially the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, is prepared for this. Last year, 205 students graduated from our three technical faculties in bachelor's programs and 181 in follow-up master's programs. We know that we have the capacity to increase these numbers. Much will depend on the interest of the upcoming generation in technical fields.

Can the university itself do anything to increase interest in these fields?

It certainly can, and we are already doing it. We have discovered that prospective students unnecessarily fear the difficulty of the studies. They are afraid they will not manage subjects like mathematics or mechanics. Therefore, we have support tutoring groups at the faculties. If someone is struggling in their first year, older and more experienced students are happy to help them pass the subjects. We also strive to be more visible in high schools. We not only organize open days but also visit them with research results or innovations to show that science and technology can be fun and a guarantee of quality employment. Most of our graduates are highly sought after by companies even before they have completed their final exams. Of course, we also try to attract and recruit students from abroad. In this regard, we would expect greater involvement from other players; it cannot be left solely to universities.

In which programs can students at UWB now gain the knowledge needed to operate nuclear power plants?

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has been offering education in the specialization of Nuclear Energy Facility Construction for 60 years. Nuclear energy is also covered in programs at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering currently prides itself on obtaining certification from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). UWB has become only the eighth university in the world to receive this prestigious certification, and thanks to it, the faculty, in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, will offer a new study program in Nuclear Engineering Management.

Please describe in more detail the Nuclear Engineering Management study program you mentioned. What can applicants expect from it?

Students will acquire the knowledge and experience needed to work in the development, construction, production, operation, and safety of nuclear facilities and other technical equipment where radioactive radiation occurs. They will learn the skills necessary for the construction, assembly, and operation of a nuclear power plant.