EDUCATING NUCLEAR-ENGINEERS AT GERMAN UNI VERSITIES

Nuclear technology is a relatively young university discipline. Yet, a s a consequence of the declining public acceptance of the peaceful use of nuclear power, its very existence is already being threatened at m any universities. However, if Germany needs nuclear power which undoub tedly is the case, highly qualified committed experts are required abo ve all. Nuclear technology develops internationally Consequently, also university education must meet international standards. Generally, un iversity education has been Sound to be the most effective way of incr easing the number of scientific and engineering personnel. Nuclear tec hniques have meanwhile found acceptance in many other scientific disci plines, thus advancing those branches of science. reaching needs resea rch, like research in nuclear technology at the national research cent ers, also the universities are suffering massive financial disadvantag es. Research is possible only if outside funds are solicited, which in creases dependency and decreases basic research.