University of Toronto joins nuclear academic program

On July 27, 2026, Canada — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Research Facilities (CNL), Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), and the University of Toronto (U of T) signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing U of T's entry into CNL's Academic Partnership Program. The signing ceremony took place at U of T's Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus. U of T becomes the tenth institution to join the program, which aims to cultivate a talent pipeline for Canada's nuclear industry, encourage collaborative research, and provide access to national laboratory infrastructure. The partnership follows the release of the federal government's Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada, which calls for new reactors and expanded nuclear exports. The collaboration will support student research placements at Charles River Laboratories, joint workshops, guest lectures, and potential micro-credential programs. The program has engaged over 7,000 students across Canada since its inception in 2023.