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The first annual meeting of the Black Sea Women in Nuclear Network took place in Malta between 17 and 21 October 2022 with the participation of members from the Black Sea region and beyond.

This event became possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (USA), Odesa Center for Nonproliferation, Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Malta, Department of International Studies, Faculty of Art, University of Malta, Los Alamos National Laboratory and the support of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM).

At the opening ceremony, Neville Aquiline, from the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade in Malta, emphasized the importance of advancing the visibility and meaningful participation of historically underrepresented professionals in such a critical field, which is both timely and significant today. During the opening remarks, the prominent members of the BSWN highlighted the essential contributions of professionals from diverse backgrounds and the role of the Network: Nataliia Klos, BSWN Coordinator; Margarita Kalinina-Pohl, Director of CBRN Security Program at CNS/MIIS; Polina Sinovets, Director of the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation; and Olga Martin, Program Manager, Global Engagements and Material Security at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. 

Most of the sessions were dedicated balance in the nuclear field: Initiatives Promoting Women in Nuclear, conversations with Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy, Best Practices in Advancing and Supporting Women in Nuclear, Tools, and Programs Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Members of the Networks shared their experiences and advices to each other. Representatives of Ukraine also made significant contributions to discussions on nuclear security and new threats and challenges.

Furthermore, during its first annual meeting, the BSWN held its second round of the Black Sea Experts NucTalk, entitled “Impact of War in Ukraine on Regional Nuclear Security and Nonproliferation Regime.”

Four speakers presented their expert views on the timely issue:

  1. Dr. Polina Sinovets – Head of the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation;
  2.  Dr. Tamara Pataraia – Civil Council on Defense and Security;
  3. Ali Alkis – a Ph.D. student at Hacettepe University, WINS Ambassador to Türkiye, and gender champion at the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation; and
  4. Dr. Natalia Melnyk – Head of the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub.

The session was moderated by Dr. Valeriia Gergiieva – a Visiting Fellow at the IFSH at the University of Hamburg and a Research Fellow of the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation.

Recognizing that women often face a disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities, which creates barriers to full participation in events and contributes to systemic gaps in leadership representation – especially at senior levels – the BSWN actively supports and encourages caregivers to join and engage in network events.

The BSWN’s first annual meeting concluded with vibrant discussions about developing strategies for partnerships with other professional networks, expanding the network, and welcoming emerging professionals and early-career individuals seeking guidance and community in the field.