Report on the organization of the nuclear competitions

The ENEN2plus project, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen and sustain nuclear education, training, and knowledge management across Europe. Deliverable D2.4 presents a comprehensive overview of the project’s initiatives for the nuclear competition for secondary schools, which are designed to promote interest, excellence, and public engagement in nuclear science among the secondary school pupils and their teachers and parents. To attract younger audiences, ENEN2plus organized video competitions in conjunction with nuclear science camps in Hungary (2023) and Italy (2025). These competitions engaged secondary school teams to creatively showcase nuclear applications through short videos. The finalists were invited to attend international science camps, where they presented their work. Across both years, nearly 200 submissions were received from over 20 countries, reflecting broad European and international interest. The aim of all four European nuclear competition for secondary schools was to provide pupils with information about nuclear science and professions. Taking part in a nuclear competition is important for secondary school pupils because it exposes them to scientific and technological fields shaping the future. By exploring topics such as nuclear energy, radiation protection, medical applications, waste management and nuclear safety, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how nuclear science and technology affects society. These competitions also encourage teamwork, creativity, and innovation, while helping students discover potential career paths. In addition, engaging with real-world challenges builds scientific literacy and empowers young generation to make informed decisions about global issues such as energy security, sustainability, medical applications and technological development. Overall, the ENEN2plus nuclear competitions for secondary schools have demonstrated a robust and inclusive approach to advancing nuclear literacy and enhancing public engagement. By prioritizing visibility, impact, and resource efficiency, the project has made a substantive contribution to the long-term sustainability of nuclear education and to the cultivation of Europe’s future nuclear workforce.