Ms. Funke Dacosta-Salu, a graduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and currently a PhD researcher at Coventry University was selected as one of the 11 highly talented women chosen for the prestigious International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Lise Meitner Professional Visiting Programme in 2023. This initiative, designed to empower early career women in the nuclear energy sector, aims to bridge the workforce gap by providing targeted training to enhance both technical and soft skills.
Ms. Dacosta-Salu, whose pioneering PhD research focuses on “Characterizing Thermal Fatigue and Mixing Point in Industrial Pipework” in the nuclear industry, participated in the second cohort of the Lise Meitner Programme, which specifically focused on numerical and modeling simulation. As part of her participation, Ms. Dacosta-Salu visited two of the world’s foremost nuclear research laboratories – the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) – in October 2023. During this visit, she received advanced training and mentorship, gaining insights into cutting-edge nuclear technologies, research methodologies, and international best practices in nuclear energy.
The Lise Meitner Professional Visiting Programme is a critical part of the IAEA’s ongoing effort to increase the participation of women in nuclear energy, providing early career women with opportunities to build their technical expertise and leadership skills. The program is highly selective, with only 10-15 participants chosen annually, and aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce that is better equipped to tackle the global challenges facing the nuclear industry.
Through this unique experience, Ms. Dacosta-Salu has gained invaluable exposure to innovative nuclear research and practical skills that will further enhance her groundbreaking work in the nuclear sector. Her research on thermal fatigue and mixing points in industrial pipework addresses critical safety and operational challenges in nuclear power plants, with the potential to improve infrastructure reliability, efficiency, and safety.
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“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Lise Meitner Professional Visiting Programme,” said Ms. Dacosta-Salu. “The visit to Oak Ridge and Idaho National Laboratories has not only broadened my technical knowledge but also given me a platform to connect with some of the most influential experts in the field. I am excited to bring these learnings back to my research and contribute to the advancement of nuclear energy, both in Nigeria and globally.”
Her selection for the program underscores her commitment to advancing nuclear energy and highlights her growing recognition as a future leader in the field. With the support of the IAEA, Ms. Dacosta-Salu is poised to make a lasting impact on the nuclear industry through her innovative research and global collaborations.
