The two-week programme brought together 59 participants from 50 countries to deepen their understanding of nuclear law and its role in supporting the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The Summer School was established under a partnership launched by the two institutions in December 2025 to expand educational opportunities in nuclear law and help develop the next generation of nuclear law professionals.
The Summer School convened primarily graduate law students, along with participants from related technical disciplines, including engineering. Through live online lectures and discussions, participants engaged with experts from the IAEA, academia and industry in a global virtual classroom.
"The world needs nuclear science and technology, nuclear science and technology need nuclear law, and nuclear law needs the next generation of nuclear professionals," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in his introductory remarks.
Dean of the Law School Dayna Matthew said: "Our partnership with the IAEA reflects GW Law's deep commitment to preparing our students to address the world's most pressing energy and sustainability challenges. By bringing together students and technical experts from 50 nations into a single virtual classroom, this programme demonstrates the power of collaborative, international legal education. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact this global network of young professionals will make in their home countries and around the world."
Understanding the Legal Framework for Nuclear Energy
Building on core principles of nuclear law, the programme covered the legal frameworks governing nuclear safety, nuclear security, safeguards and non-proliferation, and civil liability for nuclear damage.
Participants also explored emerging legal challenges associated with new and innovative technologies, while gaining insight into the broader legal and commercial environment surrounding nuclear power projects.
The programme highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of modern nuclear law, addressing topics such as investment and financing, procurement, supply chains, contractual arrangements and international nuclear trade.
Drawing on expertise from the IAEA, academia, government and industry, the Summer School provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework needed to support the development and deployment of nuclear energy.
Photo: B. Granato de Souza/IAEA.
A Global Learning Community
Given the diversity of the Summer School's participants, it created opportunities for meaningful exchanges of perspectives and experiences across regions, legal systems and levels of nuclear development.
Through interactive discussions and collaborative learning, participants formed connections with peers and experts from around the world, fostering an international network committed to strengthening nuclear legal frameworks and supporting effective nuclear governance.
The completion of the first Summer School marks an important milestone in the IAEA-George Washington University Law School partnership.
By equipping students and young professionals with specialized knowledge and connecting them to a global community of practitioners, the initiative is helping to build the legal expertise countries need as interest in nuclear energy continues to grow worldwide.
