Leaders Talk
In this edition of Leaders Talk, we sat down with Alice Cunha da Silva, the IYNC Vice President of Knowledge Transfer and Management, to discuss generational collaboration, institutional memory, and youth leadership in climate and energy. From structured mentoring to strategic programs like Leaders4Nuclear, Alice shares how IYNC is creating space for knowledge exchange and preparing young professionals to lead in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Q: What are the biggest challenges in knowledge transfer across generations in the nuclear sector today?
There are many challenges. Much of the nuclear sector’s expertise is tacit, which means it is embedded in people, not systems. Without intentional efforts, that knowledge risks being lost as experienced professionals retire. We also face cultural gaps: younger professionals bring fresh perspectives and digital fluency, but they need opportunities to access the spaces as well as to learn lessons of the past. The key is creating environments where all generations feel heard and valued.
One of the most encouraging things I’ve seen is how mentoring and coaching can truly bridge generational gaps. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored when stepping into new roles, and I’ve also done to others, both experiences have shown me how powerful structured knowledge transfer can be.
Q: How is IYNC working to preserve institutional memory while also empowering fresh voices and new ideas?
As VP of IYNC, I have the privilege of overseeing different initiatives in different areas like professional development, climate-focused and so on. It allows me to see how interconnected these areas are and how important it is to collaborate and make sure we have Knowledge transfer strategies in place to allow continuity of these important efforts.
One mission of IYNC is exactly to find ways to connect senior leaders with emerging voices. I’m especially proud of the Leaders4Nuclear program. We had just one cohort until now, but we could see how incredibly impactful were the panels, training and mentoring process for the participants of the program.
It is not just for preserving memory, but for inspiring confidence in the next generation as well allowing the senior leaders to learn from the amazing young leaders as well.
At IYNC, we believe that learning from what’s been done doesn’t limit innovation, it enables it. Understanding what was tried, under what conditions, and with what outcomes gives us a stronger foundation to try new things. Growth doesn’t happen in the status quo or in comfort zones. It happens when we’re informed, bold, and willing to challenge ourselves.
Q:As Brazil prepares to host COP30 and with the launch of Leaders4Nuclear, how do you see youth leadership shaping global climate and energy conversations?
As a Brazilian, I’m incredibly excited to see COP30 coming to Latin America, especially since the last time the region hosted this negotiation event was COP20 in Peru.
This COP is particularly important because it focuses on implementation. Countries have submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are their climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, so now it’s time to deliver.
Youth leadership is essential in this phase. At IYNC, we’re committed to ensuring young professionals are not only part of the conversation but part of the implementation and accountability. Transparency matters, and youth voices bring urgency, innovation, and a demand for results.
Nuclear technology has a pivotal role to play, not just in Brazil, but across Latin America and globally. It can unlock sustainable development while helping us meet our climate targets. Youth leadership is about shaping that narrative, ensuring nuclear is seen not as an outdated technology, but as a forward-looking solution.
NUCLEUS 2050: A New Cross-Generational Forum for the Future of Nuclear
Exciting news from the IYNC network! We’re proud to co-host NUCLEUS 2050, a new event connecting senior leaders and young professionals to shape the future of nuclear.
Taking place on 1 October 2025 at the EDF Lab in Paris-Saclay, France, NUCLEUS 2050 brings together Sfen Jeune Génération, the European Nuclear Society Young Generation Network, and IYNC for a day of interactive workshops and strategic dialogue.
The programme focuses on five key challenges for the nuclear sector: education and training, public acceptance, innovation and collaboration, financing, and advocacy. Youth and senior experts will work side by side to exchange ideas and co-create a shared vision for 2050.
Registration opens in August 2025 — we’ll keep you posted!
Applications Open: I4N Africa 2025 Competition Now Accepting Entries
The African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN) is hosting the Innovation for Nuclear (I4N) Africa 2025 competition as part of the 5th African Youth Nuclear Summit (AYNS), taking place from 25 to 28 November 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Open to young people aged 18–35, the competition invites teams of up to two members to submit practical, creative nuclear solutions across five thematic areas — from energy access to climate resilience and public awareness. Finalists will present at AYNS 2025, with the chance to compete at IYNC 2026 in France.
Apply now and help shape Africa’s nuclear future:
