Czech nuclear watchdog plans hiring drive as Dukovany expansion approaches

The State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) plans to hire around 50 new specialists as part of preparations for new nuclear units at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. According to the agency’s new chairman, Štěpán Kochánek, the office will recruit not only nuclear physicists but also experts in engineering, electrical systems, new technologies and human resources. The authority currently employs about 220 people. Kochánek also said the office will continue public outreach to raise awareness of nuclear energy and safety, including new topics such as small modular reactors and the use of artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector. Separately, travel industry experts warn the war in the Middle East is causing the biggest disruption to air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.