Nuclear Energy & Environment Research

The University of Calgary is exceptionally well-positioned to lead nuclear research and support nuclear energy adoption in Alberta. A dedicated, multi-year nuclear deployment program within The School of Public Policy, is grounded in early provincial engagement and strengthened through sustained leadership, investment, and extensive consultation with government, industry, and communities. The School’s long history with Alberta’s nuclear feasibility work, and its specialized expertise in regulation, law, market analysis, community engagement, and system integration align precisely with the needs of a non-nuclear jurisdiction preparing for deployment.

This leadership is further reinforced by UCalgary’s nationally- and internationally-connected faculty, who serve on key provincial advisory panels and collaborate closely with regulators and global nuclear organizations.

On the medical side, UCalgary researchers are leading ground-breaking studies in radon and radiation exposure, and training highly qualified personnel equipped to lead in emerging sectors related to nuclear energy and the environment.

Together, UCalgary’s policy leadership, academic expertise, provincial influence, and public-facing educational infrastructure place the university at the forefront of guiding Alberta’s transition toward nuclear energy.

The University of Calgary is a proud member of the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE).

Research areas include:

Grid integration
Energy economics and regulation
Energy and natural resources policy, geopolitics, and markets
Energy transition governance and innovation
Competitive strategy, innovation, sustainable development and corporate governance in the global energy and natural resource industries
Thermal management
Materials
Physical security and defence
Water and water use/contamination risk
Cross-border technology transfer, data and intellectual property
Indigenous engagement
Social acceptability from an engineering perspective
Isotope science
Destigmatizing nuclear energy
Occupational radiation exposure

Jason Donev, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Ian Gates, Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Aaron Goodarzi, Cumming School of Medicine, Director of the Robson DNA Science Centre
RJ Johnston, The School of Public Policy
Robert Mansell, Faculty of Arts, Department of Economics
Milana Trifkovic, Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Rüdiger Tscherning, Faculty of Law
Harrie Vredenburg, Haskayne School of Business, Strategy and Global Management
Michael Wieser, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Saulesh Yessenova, Faculty of Arts, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology

The Nuclear Energy Working Group was formed in response to rapidly growing provincial and industrial interest in nuclear energy and the need for clearer visibility of UCalgary’s expertise in this space. The group brings together leaders from public policy, science, law, and engineering to coordinate research, education, and external engagement related to nuclear energy. Its initial priorities include mapping existing nuclear-related activities, connecting UCalgary to emerging Western Canadian nuclear talent initiatives, and creating a central point of contact for nuclear energy expertise.

Faculty of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Energy Science: The Energy Science program uses a cross-disciplinary approach to study energy generation, transmission, and storage. In addition to learning about all sources of energy – conventional, renewables and beyond – students will also develop a strong background in energy policy, regulation and communications.
ESCI 421: Nuclear Energy - Overview of nuclear energy production, including the nuclear fuel cycle, the workings of atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, nuclear cross-section, reactor design, uranium mining, waste disposal, and both beneficial and harmful biological effects of radiation.

Schulich School of Engineering

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Energy Engineering: The Energy Engineering program addresses the energy industry’s need for engineering graduates who bring a unique mix of technology and engineering science skills and knowledge to the workplace, which sets them apart from graduates of traditional engineering programs.

Cumming School of Medicine

BRIGHT-Canada (Bringing Radiobiology Innovations to Grow the Highly Trained workforce in Canada): A unique NSERC-CREATE program dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of radiobiology professionals in Canada. As the nuclear market is projected to double by 2030, our mission is to develop a new generation of highly qualified personnel equipped to lead in emerging sectors, including clean energy (Small Modular Reactors), environmental radiation safety, and Canada’s ambitious participation in international space exploration missions like ARTEMIS.

Graduate Programs

Master of Public Policy (MPP): The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is a one-year integrated program that hones skills through hands-on training. Graduates go on to policy careers in both the public and private sectors.
Master of Science - Sustainable Energy Development: The Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) is an interdisciplinary graduate program established though a multi-faculty collaboration. With its home in the School of Public Policy, students benefit from the teaching and expertise of faculty members from the Haskayne School of Business, Schulich School of Engineering, School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Law to offer a holistic approach to sustainable energy education.

UCalgary hosts the Energy Education Encyclopedia, an internationally used, UCalgary‑led public education platform created and supported by Faculty of Science, School of Public Policy, and other academic units. The encyclopedia provides comprehensive, unbiased, and accessible information on energy—including nuclear power—helping build public literacy and informed dialogue across Alberta, which is essential for social acceptance and effective policy development in emerging nuclear jurisdictions.

Dr. Dustin Pearson (Left) and Dr. Aaron Goodarzi (Right) in the Transdisciplinary Cancer Research Hub

Glynnis Mutch Photography

The School of Public Policy - Energy & Natural Resources Policy

The energy and natural resources sectors have long been a driver of economic growth in Canada, but its future is clouded by uncertainties from tariffs to geopolitics to climate risks to global competition for capital. Past stability and deep integration into the U.S. energy and mineral markets can no longer be taken for granted.

The School of Public Policy seeks opportunities to co-create better public policy by engaging industry, government, think-tanks and academic partners in Canada and around the world.

Learn more about the areas of focus

Ecosystem development for Western Canada Nuclear Energy Hub

Drs. Rudiger Tscherning, PhD and Milana Trifkovic, PhD, along with Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (GIEMS) have received funding from Alberta Innovates under the Ecosystem Development Program.

Isotope Science Laboratory

Led by Dr. Michael Wieser, PhD, the Isotope Science Laboratory aims to broaden our understanding of physical, biological, and nuclear processes through the analysis and interpretation of isotopic composition of the elements, and applying those tools and knowledge to investigations in the Life, Environmental, and Nuclear sciences.

Find out more about the Laboratory

Dr. Rudi Tscherning and Dr. Harrie Vredenburg are members of the Government of Alberta Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel. This Panel has been tasked with undertaking province-wide engagement on nuclear energy and providing recommendations to Alberta’s government on how nuclear energy could be enabled in the province. Focus areas include: public awareness and education; economic and community impacts; safety, radiation and emergency response; nuclear waste management; environment and water; participation and influence in decision making; and, market readiness and financial considerations.