WNA AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION TO
THE PEACEFUL USE OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY TO WIN

DR BYUNG JOO MIN
(South Korea)
In directing the Nuclear Training Centre at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, she leads a key Asian educational institution as the first woman to head a nuclear establishment in Korea.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour for me to receive this World Nuclear Association Award. I sincerely appreciate the leadership of Mr Jose Gonzalez, the WNA’s chairman, Director General Ritch and also Agneta Rising, the former president of WIN. I also would like to thank the staff of the World Nuclear Association for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear power as a sustainable energy resource.

I’d like to talk about the importance of nuclear technology and essential role of women in the nuclear profession. Firstly, as you know, today’s most important concern is related to the emission of so-called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. It increases the temperature of the world’s atmosphere. Therefore, we nuclear professionals should make an effort to use nuclear energy for improving the quality of life and countering the threat of global warming.

Secondly, the role of women in the nuclear industry is increasing, therefore I would like to emphasise that women in nuclear should be allowed to develop into leadership roles in their nuclear fields. World nuclear leaders like all of you should take the opportunity to enhance the reputation of the nuclear industry as a viable career choice for women.

Finally, I will continue to make an effort to communicate information on nuclear energy using simple language to women scientists and engineers as well as public opinion leaders. Thank you very much.

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