Foundational Pillars
- Education
- Research
- Engineering innovation
AEMS UToronto
Atomic Energy Materials & Systems
AEMS UToronto
Engineering the Future of Nuclear Energy for a Sustainable World
Advancing multidisciplinary education, research, and innovation across the University of Toronto in partnership with industry, government, and the broader nuclear community.
Elevating Nuclear at the University of Toronto
Advancing excellence in education, research, and engineering innovation.
AEMS strengthens the University of Toronto’s nuclear enterprise by connecting multidisciplinary expertise and fostering collaboration across academia, government, industry, and international partners. Together, we advance nuclear science and engineering to address the world’s evolving energy, health, environmental, and technological challenges.
- Advance the Field Advance nuclear science, engineering, materials, and energy systems through world-class research, innovation, and talent development.
- Strengthen Canada’s Leadership Enhance Canada’s leadership in nuclear energy and allied technologies by advancing innovation, developing highly qualified personnel, and supporting long-term competitiveness.
- Partner for Impact Build enduring partnerships with academia, industry, government, and international organizations to address emerging technologies, industry needs, and national priorities.
- Serve Society Advance sustainable prosperity, energy security, environmental stewardship, and public well-being through education, research, and engineering innovation.
Nuclear Science & Technology at the University of Toronto
A highly multidisciplinary field
Nuclear science and technology span energy, health, environmental stewardship, and advanced manufacturing. From fission and fusion to radioisotopes and next-generation nuclear systems, progress depends on the integration of science, engineering, education, and innovation across disciplines.
Technology Pathways
- Fusion
- Fission
- Radioisotopes
Impact Domains
- Energy
- Health
- Environment
Education & Training
Educating the next generation of engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders
AEMS integrates education, research, and professional development to prepare future leaders in nuclear science, engineering, medicine, and energy systems. Through interdisciplinary pathways across the University of Toronto, students develop the knowledge, technical expertise, practical experience, and collaborative perspective needed to address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving nuclear landscape.
Discover
Undergraduate Education
Integrated undergraduate pathways across the Faculties of Applied Science & Engineering and Arts & Science provide strong foundations in nuclear engineering, physics, materials, radiation science, and related disciplines. Opportunities include the University-wide Nuclear Engineering Certificate together with emerging interdisciplinary programs that prepare students for careers in Canada’s evolving nuclear sector.
Advance
Graduate Education & Research
Graduate pathways include the MEng Nuclear Engineering Emphasis, emerging master’s and doctoral training opportunities, and interdisciplinary research experiences spanning engineering, physics, materials, energy systems, advanced technologies, and nuclear medicine. Students engage in collaborative research that advances both scientific discovery and engineering innovation.
Lead
Professional Learning & Outreach
The AEMS Academy advances professional development through education, specialized training, micro-credentials, and outreach initiatives that cultivate talent, strengthen Canada’s nuclear workforce, and foster collaboration across academia, industry, government, and the broader nuclear community.
Launched September 2025
MEng Nuclear Emphasis
Preparing the next generation of nuclear engineers through an integrated graduate curriculum that bridges science, engineering, technology, and professional practice. Delivered through two foundational courses, the program combines multidisciplinary instruction, industry engagement, facility visits, and workplace-ready professional development to equip students for leadership across Canada’s evolving nuclear sector.
Curriculum Framework
Foundations of Nuclear Science
Building the scientific foundations that underpin modern nuclear technologies through six integrated themes and a visit to a nuclear facility.
- Atomic & Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear Materials, Fuels & Sustainability
- Radiation Detection, Safety & Health Physics
- Radioisotopes, Nuclear Medicine & Allied Applications
- Nuclear Reactor Physics, Regulation, Codes & Standards
- Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Fusion & Small Modular Reactors
Foundations of Nuclear Engineering
Developing the engineering principles, systems perspective, and technologies that enable the design, operation, and advancement of modern nuclear systems.
- Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics & Power Generation Systems
- Nuclear Corrosion, Chemistry & Materials Degradation
- Nuclear Civil Structures, Performance & Functional Requirements
- Non-Destructive Evaluation & Fitness-for-Service
- Nuclear Systems, Operations, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
- Integrated Engineering Systems & Emerging Nuclear Technologies
*Atomic Energy Materials Systems and Sustainability (AEMSS)
Professional Development
Complementing the technical curriculum are professional development modules that prepare students for leadership in the nuclear sector by connecting classroom learning with industry practice, safety culture, regulation, innovation, and long-term societal impact.
Module A — The Future of Nuclear
Emerging Technologies & Professional Practice
Exploring the next generation of nuclear technologies, industry trends, workplace expectations, professional skills, and career pathways.
Module B — Nuclear Energy
Safety, Stewardship & the Long View
Examining the lessons of nuclear history, safety culture, regulatory frameworks, public confidence, sustainability, and the long-term role of nuclear energy in society.
Educational Philosophy
The MEng Nuclear Engineering Emphasis is built on three complementary pillars:
Discover through Education
Develop a rigorous understanding of the scientific principles that underpin nuclear technologies.
Advance through Research & Engineering
Apply engineering knowledge to the design, operation, and innovation of nuclear materials, systems, and infrastructure.
Lead through Professional Development
Cultivate the professional skills, interdisciplinary perspective, and leadership required to strengthen Canada’s nuclear sector and address future global challenges.
AEMS Academy
Immersive Learning Across the Learning Continuum
The AEMS Academy is the educational and professional learning platform of AEMS UToronto, delivering immersive programs that support learners across every stage of their educational and professional journey—from high-school students and undergraduates to graduate students, researchers, engineers, and industry professionals. Through outreach, professional education, micro-credentials, specialized training, and collaborative learning experiences, the Academy cultivates talent and strengthens Canada’s nuclear and advanced technology workforce.
Inaugural Academy Programs
- Fusion Energy — A one-week immersive introduction for high-school students exploring fusion science, engineering, and next-generation energy systems. Participants discover the scientific principles, enabling technologies, engineering challenges, and future potential of fusion as a source of clean, sustainable energy.
- Photonics: Lenses to Lasers — A one-week immersive program for high-school students introducing the fundamentals of optics, photonics, and laser technologies through interactive demonstrations, laboratory experiences, and engineering applications. The program provides a foundation for future study and careers in science, engineering, and advanced technologies.
Growing Learning Portfolio
As the Academy expands, additional offerings will include:
- Professional education and specialized technical training
- Graduate micro-credentials and certificate programs
- Industry-focused short courses and workshops
- International exchanges and collaborative learning programs
- Leadership and professional development
- Emerging technologies in nuclear science, engineering, materials, AI, robotics, photonics, fusion, fission, and advanced energy systems
People & Partners
Building a collaborative nuclear ecosystem
AEMS serves as a multidisciplinary platform that connects people, expertise, and institutions across the University of Toronto and beyond. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, government, national laboratories, and professional organizations, AEMS strengthens education, research, engineering innovation, and knowledge exchange in support of Canada’s nuclear future.
Engage
Partner with AEMS UToronto
Whether you are a researcher, student, industry partner, or funder, we welcome conversations about collaboration, recruitment, and shared impact.