Since 1975, LUT's Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering has focused its research on the safety of existing and future nuclear power plants. It's a powerhouse of nuclear research. Graduates of its master's programme in Nuclear Engineering, which is supported by a staff of 18, typically go on to obtain key positions in the Finnish nuclear industry.
There are several reasons for the lab's success, starting with some of Europe's top thermal hydraulic testing facilities that include powerful computers capable of running calculations for everything from reactor physics to computational fluid dynamics. That alone might be enough to inspire you to join this exciting laboratory, but if the sheer scale of the research and teaching opportunities isn't enough, here are four more reasons to become part of the team at LUT's Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering:
REASON 1
LUT is one of the world's leading small universities
As a teacher at LUT, you have the opportunity to truly reach your students. Lectures, assignments, tutorials, seminars, and practical lab activities fall under your remit. All are carried out with small classes of students. That means no need to juggle your efforts between dozens of people - you can teach at the individual level to help each student prosper.
This personalised approach to teaching has led to LUT becoming one of the world's leading small universities. It ranks as the eleventh-best small university, in addition to securing a spot among the top universities for climate action. Add larger universities into the mix, and LUT still lands in the top 300 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. LUT's Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering is also a member of the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN), which gives you the opportunity to guide students toward earning their EMSNE certification, equipping them for any role that follows ENEN guidelines.
REASON 2
There are several areas of nuclear engineering to specialise in
LUT is a key contributor to several major European research projects, including EASI-SMR, PASTELS, and McSAFER. That is largely attributed to the lab's thermal hydraulics testing facilities, which are among the largest Europe has to offer. Other key areas of study include fuel behaviour modelling and computational reactor physics. Variety is precisely what you'll find at LUT's Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering, both in terms of teaching and research.
You'll have access to nuclear safety research funding through the EU Horizon project, enabling you to engage in pioneering research. LUT also partners with several Finnish power companies, which offer research opportunities for academics and possible pathways to careers for your students. The LUT website provides an idea of the types of projects on which the nuclear engineering lab is currently working.
Convinced yet?
REASON 3
LUT has a working culture that suits international academics
If the best part of working at LUT is the academic opportunities the university offers, the close-knit working culture comes in a close second. The lab is culturally and educationally diverse, with a third of the staff hailing from countries other than Finland, and English serving as the lab's working language. For the international academic, knowing that only one single language is used in the work context makes it much easier to adapt to other cultural challenges moving to Finland may present.
On a wider scale, our scientific community has more than 9,000 members from 98 different countries. This international mix exposes you to a wide array of cultures and educational influences to broaden your horizons.
REASON 4
Wide-ranging benefits are available to all
One of LUT's campus cities is Lappeenranta - the main location of the nuclear engineering lab. Also, the Climate Capital of Finland, Lappeenranta is nestled on the shore of the majestic Lake Saimaa and is one of the sites of a UNESCO-protected geopark by the lake. If you'd like to take some time away from your stunning new hometown, you're just a two-hour train ride away from Finland's capital Helsinki, and all of the delights it offers.
Beyond the beauty of your new hometown, LUT can help you access high-quality childcare provided at the municipal level and offers a company bicycle benefit. The university also operates welcome services, which help you handle the formalities of your pending immigration, your insurance responsibilities, and your housing. Finnish language courses are also available and they can be very helpful in getting acclimated to your new surroundings (although English is frequently spoken). There's also the matter of Finland ranking as the world's happiest country on the World Happiness Index to consider - a position the country has held for seven straight years.
Join the LUT Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering to work with a diverse group of academics committed to making nuclear energy safer for everyone.