Belgian Nuclear Society - YG Thesis Contest

What you get

You will win a cash prize of up to 1,000 EUR for outstanding work in the field of nuclear research, as well as a one-year free membership of the Belgian Nuclear Society (BNS). You will present your work at a public awards ceremony in Belgium. This will give you the opportunity to present your work to experts from the nuclear energy sector and raise the profile of your research. There are separate prizes for each category, as well as a poster competition with smaller cash prizes. The competition takes place once a year. It is organised by the BNS’s ‘Young Generation’ network in collaboration with the SCK CEN research centre and the waste management authority ONDRAF/NIRAS.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have completed and successfully defended a Master’s thesis at a Belgian university or university of applied sciences (Hogeschool, Haute école). A doctoral thesis cannot be submitted, but a paper that you published whilst undertaking your PhD may be submitted.
• Or early-career professional: You have published a scientific paper or an original work, including as part of an industrial project, whilst living or working in Belgium or whilst serving as a BNS member.
• Field: Your work is on a nuclear topic, for example nuclear science and its applications, nuclear medicine and biology, or radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
• Age: At the time of submission, you must not be older than 36.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they meet the Belgian study or work requirements set out above.
• One entry: You may enter one category per year.
• Where the thesis was done: If you have written your Master’s thesis at SCK CEN, please enter the separate SCK CEN competition for the best Master’s thesis rather than this one.

How to apply

Please submit your manuscript, an abstract in English, a poster, your CV and your chosen category by email. The deadline for the 2026 round is 12 October 2026. As part of the pre-selection process, two or three candidates per category will be chosen to give a closed presentation to a five-member jury. The jury will assess your work on the basis of originality, scientific relevance and the quality of your presentation.